Attendants wait for passengers at the Mombasa Railway Station in Mombasa, Kenya, on June 2, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

NAIROBI, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- A political and diplomatic secretary in Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday hailed the milestone covered since the diplomatic ties with China were established after the East African Nation gained independence some 55 years ago.

"Kenya's relationship with China will continue to grow in width and breadth. Over 400 Chinese companies are doing business in Kenya and the country is also active in our Big Four Agenda," said Tom Amolo at a reception hosted by the Chinese embassy in Kenya to mark the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which falls on Oct. 1.

He lauded China for its unwavering support towards a rules based international system.

Li Xuhang, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said in his opening remarks that the robust diplomatic ties between China and Kenya that covers broad areas including trade, infrastructure, energy, health and education, remain a model for the rest of Africa.

He singled out the China-funded Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) for catalyzing Kenya's transformation through efficient transport, robust trade and job creation.

The celebration was attended by senior Kenyan government officials, among them Raphael Tuju, Secretary General of the ruling Jubilee Party and minister without portfolio.

According to the Chinese embassy, about 400 people attended the event.