NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan government is pushing for the establishment of the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim) in the country.
On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, alongside his Principal Secretary, Dr Chris Kiptoo, met a delegation from the bank, along with other top government officials.
“We also advanced discussions on President William Ruto’s request to establish a China Exim Bank branch in Kenya. This move will strengthen financial cooperation and improve the efficiency of project financing and investment flows,” said Dr. Kiptoo.
On May 9, 2024, then-Exim Bank chairman Wu Fulin met with President Ruto in Nairobi.
The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral economic and trade cooperation, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and the Bank’s business development in Kenya.
President Ruto appreciated the Bank’s contribution to Kenya’s economic and social development.
Why Kenya is an important regional economic hub
The Kenyan leader said that a large number of important projects financed by the Bank in sectors such as transport, energy, and people’s livelihoods had greatly upgraded the country’s infrastructure, driven employment, and boosted economic and social growth, bringing convenience to local people and improving their well-being.
President Ruto looked forward to enhanced bilateral cooperation and joint efforts made to further the Kenya-China comprehensive strategic partnership.
Chairman Wu thanked President Ruto and the Kenyan government for facilitating and supporting the Bank’s business development in Kenya.
The chairman said that the Bank remained committed to building bridges for China-Kenya cooperation and gave full play to its role as a financial bond for the economic and trade development of the two countries.
While echoing President Ruto’s remarks, PS Kiptoo observed that Kenya is an important economic hub under the Belt and Road Initiative, and China Exim Bank has been a committed partner in supporting our economic and social development.
“We appreciate the transformative infrastructure projects supported over the years, including the Nairobi Expressway, the SGR, and Thika Road Lot 3, among others,” Dr. Kiptoo added.
During the event, Dr. Kiptoo announced that both parties marked a significant milestone in deepening Kenya-China cooperation.
“Together with our Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, Hon. John Mbadi, the CS signed the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Loan Agreement with Ms Zhu Jia, Deputy General Manager of the Sovereign Business Department at the Export-Import Bank of China,” the PS announced.
Who else was present at the Kenya-China ceremony
According to the PS, the ceremony, witnessed by Exim Bank Chairman Mr Chen Huaiyu, represents a significant step forward in the implementation of the ITS Project by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).
“Once completed, this modern traffic management system will ease congestion, improve signalisation, enhance road safety, and significantly reduce travel time for millions of commuters across Nairobi,” explained Dr. Kiptoo.
Looking ahead, the Bank said it will continue its efforts in fulfilling the nine programs for China-Africa cooperation and the eight major steps taken by China to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, with a focus on creating an enabling environment for both financing and knowledge sharing, thus paving the way for deepened and strengthened ties between the two countries.
Discussion about this post