On April 24, 2025, President William Ruto was formally welcomed to the People's Republic of China by President Xi Jinping with a 21-gun salute at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marking the commencement of a five-day state visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.

During the visit, Presidents Ruto and Xi engaged in extensive discussions, resulting in agreements to enhance cooperation across multiple development sectors. A statement from China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry highlighted the 62-year history of strong friendship and cooperation between China and Kenya, rooted in principles of sincerity, equality, mutual benefit, fairness, and inclusiveness. Both sides committed to deepening exchanges and cooperation at all levels, including governmental, political, and legislative bodies, to share experiences in governance and development.

The two nations reaffirmed their mutual support on critical issues and opposition to external interference, emphasizing independent development paths tailored to their national conditions. They expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Belt and Road Initiative in Kenya, particularly major infrastructure projects like the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, and agreed to further integrate infrastructure and industrial development. China acknowledged Kenya's role as a financial hub in East Africa, offering support for Chinese financial institutions to establish branches in Kenya and explore diverse financial cooperation opportunities, including panda bonds.

Furthermore, China commended Kenya for hosting the Africa Climate Summit in September 2023 and acknowledged President Ruto's contributions to promoting African unity in addressing climate change. Both countries reiterated their commitment to the Nairobi Declaration and the Declaration on China-Africa Cooperation on Combating Climate Change, pledging to deepen green cooperation to protect the environment.

Following the talks, China and Kenya agreed to elevate their relationship to a "China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era." They pledged to oppose trade barriers and support the World Trade Organization, rejecting “hegemonism, power politics, and all forms of unilateralism and protectionism.” Despite a “turbulent international situation,” both countries aim to build “all-weather” China-Africa relations, with Ruto emphasizing the “strategic partnership” between Kenya and China as delivering “practical, tangible, impactful and sustainable win-win situations.”

The visit culminated in the signing of 20 agreements covering science and technology, vocational education, water resources, and the Belt and Road Initiative. While the BRI has provided crucial infrastructure funding, it has also faced criticism regarding debt burdens. In 2023, Kenya sought additional loans and debt restructuring from China to complete stalled projects. During the visit, China pledged significant financing for Africa and agreed to enhance security exchanges with Kenya, including personnel training, defense industry cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and joint exercises.