Chinese embassy holds reception in Kenya to mark 77th anniversary of PRC founding

Actors perform at a reception to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Nairobi, Kenya, Sept. 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

NAIROBI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Kenya on Wednesday hosted a reception in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Over 500 guests, including senior government officials, diplomats, industry executives, representatives of international organizations, academics and think tank members, attended the event, which featured speeches and cultural performances.

Musalia Mudavadi, prime cabinet secretary and cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs, hailed China's swift socio-economic progress as reflected in the building of state institutions, poverty eradication, and advancing national cohesion and unity.

Mudavadi recalled Kenyan President William Ruto's successful state visit to China in April 2025. During the visit, the two countries elevated their ties to a China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era.

He added that China's zero-tariff policy has boosted market access for Kenya's agricultural commodities like coffee, tea and avocados in China, unlocking jobs for women and youth.

Kenya values its partnership with China in developing flagship infrastructure projects such as roads, railways and renewable energy, which are central to strengthening regional connectivity and enabling landlocked countries to access the Indian Ocean for trade, Mudavadi said.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan noted that the People's Republic of China, since its founding 77 years ago, has become the world's second-largest economy and built the world's largest education, social security and healthcare systems.

"Looking back at history, the Chinese nation has journeyed from the brink of extinction to great rejuvenation, overcoming immense hardships along the way, with a spirit of courage and determination," Guo said.

She spoke highly of the fruitful results in building a China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era, adding that China is ready to work with other countries to implement the four global initiatives and help them advance toward modernization. 

Musalia Mudavadi, prime cabinet secretary and cabinet secretary for foreign and diaspora affairs, speaks at a reception to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Nairobi, Kenya, Sept. 30, 2026. TO GO WITH "Chinese embassy holds reception in Kenya to mark 77th anniversary of PRC founding" (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)