China will offer interest-free loans and concessional loans to Kenya, although the exact number was not made public.

China also signed a memorandum on aviation cooperation in Kenya and eastern Africa at large, as well as on an upgrade of the Mombasa port.

Kenyatta told media Kenya appreciates Beijing's support in combating the ivory trade and protecting Kenya’s natural heritage -- a point enshrined in a newly signed document he said bears great significance.

Li said China has included wildlife protection on the list of the major fields in which it will assist Africa. He promised the country will spend $10 million on relevant projects in coming years.

Kenyan green advocates agreed Li's visit heralds new opportunities for their country's environment, economy and sustainability.

Mithika Mwenda, coordinator of the Nairobi­based Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance, said China is a global leader in promoting ecological civilization.

"I am aware that top Chinese leaders have pledged support toward ecological civilization that would benefit the country and the world,” Mwenda said.

"This ideal is embedded in Confucian values and traditions.”

Kenyatta also expected Beijing o play a greater role in regional security.

Beijing’s support is crucial on issues concerning Somalia and South Sudan，which border Kenya, he said.

Li promised Beijing will continue its humanitarian assistance to South Sudan and will give refugees returning to Somalia material assistance via Kenya.
 
Kenyatta said in a meeting with China's ambassador to Kenya, Liu Xianfa, in Nairobi last week that this region requires a strong partner like China, which will not only support it in economic ventures but also in peace settlements.

Li's visit to Kenya is crucial for East Africa’s development, Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan president as well as Deputy President William Ruto，welcomed Li at the airport upon his arrival on Friday.
 
Kenya's Foreign Affairs and International Trade Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho said before the visit that the agreements to be signed "will signify to the world that Kenya and China mean business.”

''Action speaks louder than words，and Kenya prefers partners who do not attach conditions. China is building our roads, ports, airports and railways. In the last few years, we have invited Chinese investors in all sectors of the economy.”

Chinese firms tend to get most government infrastructure projects because they are the most qualified, he said.

"When we advertise the contracts internationally, it is Chinese firms that tend to offer the best quality and price compared to other competitors.”

China's trade with Kenya rose to $3.27 billion last year, from $137 million in 2000，the Chinese embassy in Kenya said.

China has also become Kenya's biggest source of foreign direct investment and the second largest trade partner. Its direct investment in the country increased by 52.5 percent to $120 million Last year.

Kenya is the last leg of Li’s four-nation Africa tour, which also took him to Ethiopia, Nigeria and Angola. It is Li's first Africa visit since taking office last year.

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