Kenya’s plan to construct a modern Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Nairobi is set to move a step closer to reality this week with the signing of an agreement between Kenya and China.
The deal, part of President William Ruto’s ongoing state visit to Beijing, marks a significant milestone in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The new headquarters, first proposed nearly four years ago, will be partly financed by China through grants.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei confirmed the development in an interview in Beijing on Monday without revealing the cost, saying the agreement is one of several high-level deals to be signed during the visit.
“That is a conversation we will have before we do the groundbreaking,” said Sing’oei.
“At this point, it is undergoing a feasibility study.”
China’s commitment to support the project was made as part of its celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations with Kenya.
The two countries established ties in 1963, which were briefly suspended in 1967 before being re-established in 1978.
In May 2024, a Chinese technical team visited Nairobi to begin design work on the new facility.
The Ministry currently operates from its offices on Harambee Avenue, which have been deemed inadequate for its growing responsibilities.
While the location of the new headquarters has yet to be disclosed, it is expected to provide a spacious, modern facility that meets the demands of a global diplomatic hub.
The headquarters project is one among several multi-billion shilling deals expected to be finalised during Ruto’s visit.
Also to be signed is the deal on the construction of two county hospitals in the country.
The President, accompanied by several Cabinet Secretaries, is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on Tuesday.
He will be hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping at a state banquet.
Sing’oei at the same time clarified that the State visit is not merely transactional but aimed at deepening strategic ties between the two nations.
“It is about developing an understanding of where we are and where we want to be as two friendly nations,” he said.
On the economic front, Sing’oei also assured Chinese investors of Kenya’s commitment to fair competition and transparency in securing local projects.
He outlined a range of incentives available to all foreign investors, including reasonable banking regulations to ease profit repatriation, strong investment protection mechanisms and a “robust” legal system to resolve disputes effectively.
“These incentives are open to all investors, including our Chinese counterparts, as we seek to build a secure and attractive investment climate,” Sing’oei added.
Apart from the business forums and high-level meetings with top officials, the president will also deliver a keynote address at Peking University.
He will use the opportunity to highlight Africa’s vision for inclusive growth, leadership, and deeper South-South cooperation.
Ruto will also commission the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian province, situated in one of China’s tea-growing regions.
by FELIX KIPKEMOI
