China to spend Sh860 million to protect wildlife, PM Li Keqiang says

President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) hosts Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang at Statehouse Nairobi.

By Standard Digital Reporter

NAIROBI, KENYA: Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang began a 3 day official visit to Kenya with promises to spend USD 10 million to protect wildlife in Africa.

Speaking during a joint press briefing with President Uhuru Kenyatta at Statehouse in Nairobi the Premier also said China will assist Kenya in repatriating Somali refugees back to their nation as well as continue with humanitarian care in South Sudan.

On his part Uhuru said the new frontier in Kenya-China relations should diversify to include manufacturing.  

“My government is committed to making Kenya the manufacturing and technology hub of Africa. We will achieve this by putting in place appropriate investments, policies and reforms, the better to enhance our business environment, and to make Kenya both the first choice of outside investors, and the home of the most energetic local entrepreneurs.” President Kenyatta said.

During the visit, Kenya and China will sign a 17 deal. A bilateral advisory council has been set up to facilitate the implementation of the deals between the two states.   

On Saturday Statehouse spokesman Manoah Esipusu indicated that the Standard Gauge Railway project would feature in the talks between Uhuru and Li Keqiang Sunday though the president has already voiced his satisfaction with the manner in which the project will be implemented.

“The Standard Gauge Railway that we will jointly develop not only alerts the world to the fact that Kenya can now chart its own development path; it also makes it self-evident that we have a new and able partner in our march to the progress and prosperity that the future holds.” Uhuru said.