Kenyan president sends New Year goodwill message to Chinese people

The Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday sent his New Year goodwill message to the Chinese people and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen his country's friendship with China.

"My family and I send our best wishes to all who will celebrate the Chinese New Year on Monday 8th February 2016," Kenyatta said in a statement.

He reiterated that Sino-Kenya relationship that dates back to the 15th century has remained solid and mutually beneficial.

"Kenya and China have traded for centuries. We were allies in the long fight against imperialism and colonialism. These days, we are partners in growth, working together on projects of transformative ambition," Kenyatta remarked.

Since his inauguration in March 2013, President Kenyatta has been at the forefront promoting bilateral cooperation with China in diverse fields like trade, infrastructure development, technology transfer and wildlife protection.

In August 2013, Kenyatta led a high powered delegation to China where multibillion dollar deals between Nairobi and Beijing were inked.

During Kenyatta's tenure, mega infrastructure projects financed by China like the Standard Gauge Railway commenced.

Likewise, Sino-Kenya trade has blossomed during Kenyatta's presidency.

According to government statistics, bilateral trade between Kenya and China reached 5 billion dollars in 2014.

President Kenyatta said in his New Year message that the Kenyan leadership and ordinary citizens cherish the time honored friendship with China.

"We celebrate that old, strong friendship between Kenya and China, and we look forward to even closer ties between our countries and peoples in years to come," Kenyatta remarked while wishing the Chinese people a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Enditem