Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki bid farewell on Tuesday to the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Zhou Pingjian, commending his role in strengthening Kenya-China relations throughout his tenure.
Prof. Kindiki expressed appreciation for the ambassador’s tireless efforts to enhance bilateral ties between Nairobi and Beijing, as well as to facilitate the establishment of numerous development projects in Kenya. He noted that during Zhou’s time in office, Kenya received substantial support from China.
“During the four-year tenure of H.E. Zhou Pingjian, China’s Ambassador to Kenya, Kenya has remained at the forefront of China’s diplomatic engagement with Africa,” the Deputy President said during a farewell call from Ambassador Zhou at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi.
Although Zhou’s term is coming to a close, the Deputy President reiterated that Nairobi will continue to foster strong relations with Beijing, exploring new avenues for cooperation that benefit the people of both nations.
Kenya’s friendship with China has spanned 61 years, and Prof. Kindiki stated that during this time, both people-to-people and government-to-government ties “have grown in leaps and bounds.” He highlighted the milestones achieved through initiatives led by China in Kenya and throughout the continent.
“Much progress has been made under the Belt and Road Initiative, and significantly impactful infrastructural projects have been realized through bilateral programs and under the auspices of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC),” he noted.
Ambassador Zhou, accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Zhang Zhizhong and other senior officials from the Chinese Embassy in Kenya during the visit, is scheduled to meet President William Ruto as he concludes his time in the country.
