This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
Kenya is set to face a crucial test in June next year when it vies for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The country has received a significant boost in its bid, courtesy of China, which has assured Kenya of its support.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy, Wang Yong, made the pledge during a courtesy call on President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi, on Monday. Mr. Wang was in the country to attend the launch of the Standard Gauge Railway freight service from Nairobi to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot.
According to Mr. Wang, China believes that Kenya is better placed to voice Africa's interests at the UNSC. He said, 'We firmly support the reforms of the UN Security Council and believe that Kenya will help to increase the voice of African countries at the UN Security Council.'
The Chinese special envoy congratulated Kenya following its endorsement by the African Union to vie for the UNSC non-permanent seat. He also acknowledged the enhanced bilateral relations between the two countries, which were discussed during the meeting.
President Kenyatta and Mr. Wang also discussed trade, with the two nations agreeing to explore more areas of cooperation and deepen private sector engagement. Mr. Wang said China is working on an arrangement that will see more of Kenya's exports get into the expansive Chinese market.
He cited the lowering of taxes on frozen avocados from Kenya from 30 to 7 percent as one way of ensuring Kenya's products have increased access to the Chinese market. Mr. Wang also assured President Kenyatta that China is keen on encouraging more of its people to visit Kenya as tourists in a bid to grow the people-to-people interaction between the two countries.
