Nairobi, Nov. 20 -- The Chinese may yet be involved in more business in Kenya's infrastructure rebuilding, even as Western countries jostle for the ear of the new administration under President William Ruto.

This week, Roads, Transport and Public Works Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen hosted China's ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian with whom they discussed continuation of infrastructure projects. Some observers say this indicated Beijing was still keen on using Kenya as a launch pad into the hinterlands of Africa, a long-held ambition under the Belt and Road Initiative.

"We consider China a close friend and a great partner owing to their active involvement in the transformation of Kenya's infrastructure landscape over the past 20 y...