Chinese Vice President Han Zheng is expected in Kenya as part of a wider diplomatic tour across Africa that will also include South Africa and Seychelles.
According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit will take place between March 22 and 30 following invitations from Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, South Africa’s Paul Mashatile, and Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay.
The planned visit comes shortly after President William Ruto officiated the launch of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Malaba.
China Vice President Han Zheng to Visit Kenya on Africa Tour. Photo: Courtesy.
Speaking in Narok County on March 19, he emphasized the importance of extending the railway to maximize its economic potential and regional impact.
President William Ruto noted that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) remains incomplete as it does not yet extend to key production zones in western Kenya.
He emphasized that for the railway to fully deliver its economic value, it must go beyond Narok and connect to major agricultural and industrial regions.
The President also highlighted the need for the SGR to link with the lake transport system in Kisumu and support higher freight volumes critical to the growth of the regional rail economy in East Africa.
President William Ruto said cargo throughput from the Port of Mombasa reached 7.37 million tonnes in the first half of 2025, with about 70% destined for Uganda.
However, he noted that delays—up to 80 hours to Malaba and over 100 hours to Kampala—are hurting efficiency and competitiveness.
He described the 262.3km Narok–Kisumu SGR extension as a strategic project aimed at improving transport, linking Nairobi’s industrial hub with key agricultural counties, and unlocking economic potential across the region.
Ruto said the SGR extension will ease road congestion by shifting cargo from trucks to rail, helping reduce accidents and road maintenance costs.
He added that the project will lower transport expenses across the economy, leading to cheaper goods, more affordable construction, and improved industrial competitiveness.
The railway is also expected to position Kisumu as a key regional logistics hub integrating rail, road, and lake transport.
