President William Ruto has welcomed China’s cooperation with Kenya to foster a bilateral trade agreement that would tighten working ties.
As he hosted China’s Vice President Han Zheng at State House on Tuesday, 24th March, 2026, President Ruto extended his gratitude to China’s President Xi Jinping, for facilitating a trade cooperation that continues to put Kenya on the global map.
“Mr. Vice President your visit to Kenya is significant because it is the subsequent visit to my visit in April last year to China where we had very fruitful consultations and outcomes both for China and Kenya; the most significant being the request of Kenya to the Chinese government to facilitate a trade agreement that would get Kenyan goods to the Chinese markets,” Said the President. “Something that has been in discussion for a long time and for which I am truly grateful to President Xi for making it possible for Kenya to export its tea, coffee, macadamia, avocadoes and many other products to China.”
President Ruto further noted that this agreement shades a bright light on the trajectory that the Kenyan export sector is taking.
“That we will be signing that agreement is a big step for the Kenyan people and government.”
The event was also formalized by the signing of four memoranda of understanding including one between the ministry of agriculture and livestock development of the Republic of Kenya and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the Republic of the People of China on bilateral corporations on agriculture and livestock development.
Another important agreement was the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Kenya National Chamber of Commerce (KNCC) and the Industry of China Council for the promotion of international trade.
Speaking at the same event, Zheng said that President Ruto’s visit to China was for a worthy cause since it stirred the beginning of strong ties between the two countries.
Zheng has been in the country from Sunday on an African tour after which he will head to Seychelles and South Africa.
On Monday, 23rd March 2026, Kenya made its first exports of agricultural produce to China through a zero-tariff agreement, marking a great step towards boosting business for local exporters with an aim of doing business with Asia.
The shipment flagged by Deputy president Kithure Kindiki alongside his China’s Counterpart included coffee, green beans, macadamia, hides and skins and fresh avocado oil.
Kindiki encouraged the private sector to take seriously this market loophole that is closely filling a gap that has been in existence, to ensure that every Kenyan benefits from the free tariffs and support economic growth.
“We are excited at the opportunities lying ahead to enable Kenya’s coffee, tea, avocadoes, nuts, fruits, vegetables, minerals, and all other products to access Chinese marks, create wealth for the people of Kenya and correct the trade balance between the two countries” Said Kindiki.
Kindiki further lauded the Chinese government for its continuous support regarding Kenya’s major infrastructural developments that continue to make people’s livelihoods better.
“The Express Way is another important project which has been made possible because of the friendship and support of the people of the Republic of China,” added Kindiki.
The meeting between the two countries’ great leaders is just but the beginning of a great trade agreement as the country anticipates to participate in the upcoming projects, especially, on entry to the Chinese and Asian market.
