Kenya and China strengthened their economic partnership on Tuesday, signing four memoranda of understanding covering trade, agriculture, livestock, and broader economic cooperation. The agreements were signed during talks in Nairobi between Kenyan President William Ruto and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. A highlight of the deals is duty-free, quota-free access for Kenyan products, including tea, coffee, macadamia, and avocados, to the Chinese market starting in May. China has extended similar tariff benefits to dozens of African nations to boost exports of agricultural and horticultural products.
President Ruto described the consultations as “fruitful” and praised China for supporting Kenya’s export sector. The partnerships also extend to infrastructure under public-private frameworks, such as the Standard Gauge Railway extension and highway upgrades, as well as digital innovation, green energy, manufacturing, healthcare, intelligent transport systems, and education.
Zheng’s visit coincides with ongoing US-China competition for African markets. Beijing remains Africa’s largest trade partner, with annual exchanges exceeding $280 billion. A day before, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with President Ruto about bilateral cooperation, regional security, and commercial opportunities, highlighting Kenya’s growing role in global trade and diplomacy.
