Kenya's First Lady Recho Ruto with officials from Kenya and China.

Beijing, April 26, 2025

In a landmark moment of botanical diplomacy, H.E. President Dr William Ruto received Volume IV of The Flora of Kenya, dedicated to the Orchidaceae family, during his state visit to China from April 22–26, 2025. 

This gesture underscores Kenya’s global leadership in biodiversity conservation and strengthens scientific ties with China, marking a milestone in China-Africa cooperation for sustainable development.

Launched in November 2015 and funded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), The Flora of Kenya is the nation’s first comprehensive national flora. Coordinated by the Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre, Wuhan Botanical Garden of CAS, and the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), this monumental project unites over 180 researchers from institutions like the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

Spanning 31 volumes, it documents over 7,000 plant species across 223 families and 1,773 genera, making it Kenya’s most authoritative botanical reference.

Volume IV, set for publication in June 2025, catalogues over 300 orchid species native to Kenya, including 200 endemic to Africa and 14 unique to Kenya.

Orchids, prized for their ecological significance and fragility, are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Edited by Prof Qing-Feng Wang (CAS) and Dr. Geoffrey Mwachala (NMK), this volume is a flagship achievement under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), blending biodiversity research with environmental diplomacy.

This state gift symbolises Kenya’s strategic use of ecological soft power, leveraging its rich botanical heritage to foster goodwill and innovation.

Aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which champions science-driven conservation, the project involved extensive fieldwork, herbarium digitisation, DNA barcoding, and community engagement through botanical gardens and educational initiatives in both nations.

It amplifies public awareness of Kenya’s plant diversity while complementing its renowned wildlife.

The collaboration paves the way for future initiatives, including scholar exchanges, conservation technology transfers, orchid propagation, and eco-tourism rooted in Kenya’s floral wealth.

It also inspires young scientists and the public to protect this vital heritage.

As climate change and biodiversity loss loom large, The Flora of Kenya is a call to action, emphasising that stewardship begins with cherishing nature’s gifts.

The gifting of Volume IV not only deepens diplomatic bonds but also sows seeds for an enduring scientific legacy, rooted in discovery, nurtured by partnership, and dedicated to sustaining life across continents.