Kenya Switches to Yuan for China Loan, Engages with COMESA, Russia, and Ukraine - October 2025

Kenya has officially switched from repaying its Ksh646.15 billion (USD5 billion) Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) loan to China in US Dollars to the Chinese Yuan, a move aimed at reducing costs. On the regional front, Kenya is hosting the 24th COMESA Summit, where President William Ruto is assuming the chairmanship to secure trade benefits. In diplomatic talks with Russia, Kenya is formalizing a migration framework to protect its nationals from irregular conscriptions into the Russian military. The government is also pleading with Ukraine for assistance in repatriating Kenyan citizens captured while fighting for Russia.