Kenya’s top diplomat Musalia Mudavadi has backed China’s advocacy for a multilateral global order.
Speaking during a reception to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary said global cooperation was inevitable.
“With the kind of geopolitics we are seeing, the place for multilateralism is becoming even more important,” he said.
“A strong message that unilateralism is dangerous is extremely important. We will not be able to deal with the conflicts we see if we undermine multilateralism. We share China’s position and affirm that our partnership is solid and growing.”
The event, held at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, also featured remarks from Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan. Both officials presented a united front on the need for cooperation in a turbulent world.
The endorsement aligns with Beijing’s long-standing diplomatic posture. Ambassador Guo said the world today is “overshadowed by the dark clouds of Cold War mentality, hegemonism and protectionism.”
The National Day reception also showcased the deepening strategic partnership between Kenya and China.
Guo highlighted the recent elevation of relations to a “China-Kenya Community with a Shared Future for the New Era,” following President William Ruto’s state visit to China in April 2025.
During that visit, President Ruto and President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of more than 20 cooperation agreements.
Mudavadi noted that negotiations are ongoing to leverage China’s expanded trade concessions.
“We have a delegation today negotiating so that within the FOCAC framework and the tariff reliefs, we hope to report progress in a few days,” he said, referring to Beijing’s decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China.
He also pointed to priority infrastructure projects Kenya seeks to advance with Chinese support, including extending the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba and the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit road.
Ambassador Guo emphasized China’s vision of an “equal and orderly multipolar world,” where “no country should be superior to others and might does not mean right.”
She also underscored President Xi’s Global Governance Initiative as part of China’s wider efforts to promote a fairer international system.
She reminded guests that Kenya has historically supported China, including its 1971 restoration at the UN, and noted this year marks the UN’s 80th anniversary.
Experts say the expressions of solidarity at the event show Kenya and China’s ties have grown beyond trade into a broader strategic partnership.
Quoting a Kenyan proverb, Ambassador Guo said: “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.”
As she concluded, she affirmed: “China will never abandon Africa.”
