President Uhuru Kenyatta's visit to China is set to bring in more benefits, following revelations that it could open up more opportunities for both countries, Kenya being the biggest winner.
According to a local Chinese media, Uhuru's host President Xi Jinping is using the meeting to solidify links with Nairobi and is expected to encourage more Chinese investments in Kenya.
This is in addition to the Sh368 billion loan Uhuru is expected to bring with him for the construction of the second phase of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kisumu.
The visit is expected to smoothen the way for the issuance of an Sh6 trillion pledge made by China last September, this including an Sh1.5 trillion interest-free loan and another Sh1.5 trillion in a grant.
The two countries also signed three new agreements which seek to open up training and market opportunities, bringing the number of agreements signed under President Uhuru to 20.
About the SGR, Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia says that it is a venture that will be of great benefit in the coming days, as it is already attracting the needed attention.
“The SGR has made Kenya the preferred entry point and exit route for some of our neighbouring countries and is transforming them from landlocked to coastal nations by facilitating the development of dedicated and efficient inland ports,” Macharia told a gathering in Nairobi on Thursday, as quoted by the Daily Nation.
Upon completion, the railroad will link the ports of Mombasa and Kisumu.