Li Keqiang delivers a speech at a joint press conference with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, on May 10, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

Mithika Mwenda, coordinator of the Nairobi-based 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 to play a greater role in regional security.

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

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, who 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 ahead of the visit that the agreements to be signed this time "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," Kibicho said.

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

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

China's trade with Kenya rose to $3.27 billion in 2013, from $137 million in 2000, according to the Chinese embassy in Kenya.

China also has become Kenya's biggest source of foreign direct investment and the second largest trade partner. Its direct investment in the African country increased by 52.5 percent to $120 million in 2013.

Kenya is the last leg of Li's four-nation Africa tour, which has taken him to Ethiopia, Nigeria and Angola. This is Li's first Africa visit since taking office in 2013.

Contact the writers through zhaoyinan@chinadaily.com.cn

Xinhua contributed to this story.