Kenya is re-evaluating its relationship with China as Beijing significantly reduces lending to African nations, shifting its focus from development funding to debt collection. Senior Kenyan officials are currently in China to realign diplomatic and economic interests amid this financial reality.

• China's lending to Africa plummeted from Ksh3.7 trillion (USD28.8 billion) in 2016 to just Ksh270 billion (USD2.1 billion) in 2024.
• Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei is leading discussions in Beijing to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new cooperation models.
• The shift means Kenya will push for increased trade, private investment, technology transfer, and support for smaller, viable projects, moving away from large loan-based infrastructure developments like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which cost approximately Ksh645 billion (USD5 billion).