Kenya has taken a significant step towards enhancing its rural infrastructure through the Kenya-Chinese Rural Road Project, secured during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September 2024. Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, alongside President William Ruto, finalized a credit facility agreement with China Development Bank President, Tan Jiong. This partnership will finance the construction of 15 rural roads, aiming to improve access to markets and stimulate economic growth in remote areas, while creating employment for local communities.
The project, overseen by both Kenyan and Chinese authorities, will involve Chinese contractors working in partnership with local companies under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Although the names of the companies responsible for the design remain undisclosed, construction is expected to span several years, factoring in logistical challenges and geographical obstacles.
Funded by a substantial credit facility from China Development Bank, the total cost is anticipated to run into hundreds of millions of US dollars, given the project’s scale and significance. The 15 roads will be constructed across various rural areas in Kenya, focusing on regions with limited access to markets and essential services. By improving transportation links between these areas and economic centers, the project aims to boost local livelihoods and promote sustainable development.
This initiative strengthens the bilateral relationship between Kenya and China, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the nation’s infrastructure and economy. The project also serves as a catalyst for private sector investment, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Kenya and the China Africa Development Fund to encourage more private players to engage in infrastructure development. In addition, China Development Bank plans to expand its operations by opening a new office in Nairobi, further solidifying its commitment to Kenya’s long-term growth and infrastructure development.
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