NAIROBI -- Kenyan county heads have praised Chinese increased involvement in Africa which they said has woken up the rest of the world.

The leaders, led by the Governor of Meru County in Kenya Peter Munya, said in Nairobi on Friday night that Africa was a forgotten continent before China came.

"Investors are making a beeline for Africa from all over the world, and here in Kenya Chinese participation in the country's development is discernible," Munya told an investor meeting of professionals from Meru County.

"We are inviting our Chinese brothers to come and invest in Meru because investment opportunities are vast in the region," Munya appealed.

Located at the heart of Kenya, Meru, with its diverse climate, is one of the most agriculturally-rich regions in Kenya, growing virtually every crop in the country, including tea, coffee, tobacco, flowers and has the fastest growing horticultural sector.

The past three years have witnessed the remarkable progress in Sino-Kenyan economic and trade cooperation which has surpassed the 500 million U.S. dollar mark.

Beijing has become Kenya's largest source of foreign direct investment and second largest trade partner.

Investment by Chinese companies in Kenya covers several sectors such as vehicle and home appliance assembly, and construction materials.

The Chinese investors have established partnerships with local companies, transferred advanced and practical technology to Kenya, and created job opportunities for local people.