Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday held talks with Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Mr Wu Peng at his Capitol Hill offices.
The two leaders discussed the trade and infrastructure relations between Africa and China. The Chinese government has been keen to invest in Africa markets in recent years.
Mr Odinga, who also doubles as African Union High Representative for Infrastructural Development, also discussed Kenya's relationship with China.
Apparently, the meeting comes barely a fortnight after Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i signed a deportation notice of six Chinese nationals engaging in local trading in Kenya.
"H. E @RailaOdinga today held discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Wu Peng at his Capitol Hill Square Office. The two discussed trade and infrastructure development in Africa and ways of strengthening ties between Kenya and China," ODM party tweeted.
The meeting between the two also came just a few hours after Exim Bank of China approved Sh368 billion for Naivasha-Kisumu SGR extension.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia confirmed the new development. In May, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila had visited China reportedly to pursue the loan.
“On the future of the SGR and its status, Kenyans need to know that Phase 2A is 98 per cent complete and will be operationalised in September. Eventually, the SGR will reach Kisumu and finally Malaba, only timing has changed,” he said.
“In fact, the funds had been approved by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and are now with Exim Bank, which is looking into financial dynamics of lending according to the structure of each country,” Mr Macharia told the Nation.