Kenya says it is committed to strengthening trade relations with China and described the partnership as critical to expanding market access, enhancing export competitiveness and supporting industrial growth.

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui underlined the importance of ongoing bilateral talks with China in unlocking opportunities for Kenyan producers and exporters, particularly in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

According to Mr Kinyanjui, China has recently announced measures to reduce tariffs on imports from Africa, a move expected to ease entry of Kenyan goods into the Chinese markets and improve the balance of trade.

Consequently, Kenya, alongside other African countries, stands to benefit from improved export procedures for agricultural and manufactured products.

“These measures will provide new pathways for our exporters – especially small and medium enterprises – to penetrate one of the world’s largest consumer markets,” Kinyanjui said.

He noted that the government is focused on ensuring Kenyan businesses are well positioned to take advantage of the emerging opportunities.

Further, the cabinet secretary noted that the bilateral engagement with China aligns with Kenya’s broader trade strategy that prioritises diversification of export destinations, value addition and increased participation of local enterprises in global value chains.

He added that the partnership also complements regional integration efforts by enabling Kenyan firms to leverage AfCFTA rules to access wider markets.

Importantly, Kinyanjui maintained that agriculture remains a central pillar of the cooperation, with the government seeking to scale exports of tea, coffee, horticultural produce and processed foods.

Likewise, the cabinet secretary pointed out that reduced tariffs and improved market access could significantly boost earnings for farmers and agribusinesses, while supporting rural livelihoods.

“The introduction of zero-duty access for some of our agricultural products offers a real opportunity to transform the sector, which remains the backbone of our economy,” he reiterated.

On the other hand, Kinyanjui outlined that the government is working to address non-tariff barriers, strengthen quality standards and improve logistics to ensure Kenyan products meet international requirements.

Beyond agriculture, the government is also targeting growth in manufacturing and services exports. In the meantime, the cabinet secretary observed that deeper engagement with China could attract investment into industrial parks, special economic zones and export-oriented manufacturing which would create jobs and enhance technology transfer.

He explained that Kenya is keen to learn from China’s experience in industrialisation and infrastructure development, while ensuring that partnerships are mutually beneficial and aligned with national development priorities.

Equally, he reported, the government will continue to engage Chinese counterparts to explore additional areas of cooperation, including skills development, innovation and green growth. These efforts, Kinyanjui said, are aimed at strengthening Kenya’s competitiveness and resilience in a rapidly evolving global trade environment.

“The continued engagement with China remains consistent with Kenya’s commitment to open, rules-based trade that delivers tangible benefits to our citizens,” the cabinet secretary pointed out.

“We look forward to deepening these ties in ways that expand opportunities, enhance productivity and improve the well-being of our people,” he expressed optimism.

Meanwhile, the government has reaffirmed its resolve to work with the private sector and development partners to maximise the gains from bilateral and multilateral trade arrangements, positioning Kenya as a regional hub for trade and investment in Africa.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Naif Rashid