Kenya has secured stronger trade and investment relations with China following high-level discussions in Beijing aimed at deepening economic cooperation between the two nations. In a meeting on April 2, National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi engaged with China’s Minister of Finance, Lan Fo’an, to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration.
This marks CS Mbadi’s first official visit to China since assuming office last year. The talks focused on key economic priorities, including infrastructure development, energy investment, and technological advancements sectors considered critical to Kenya’s long-term economic growth. The discussions underscored the need for increased Chinese investments, particularly in financing major infrastructure projects, to accelerate national development.
A significant part of the talks centered on addressing Kenya’s trade imbalance with China. Kenyan officials pushed for expanded market access for the country’s agricultural and manufactured exports, aiming to diversify trade and create more opportunities for local industries. Trade between Kenya and China exceeded $6.8 billion in 2023, with Kenya seeking to improve its export footprint within the Asian economic giant.
“Kenya values its long-standing economic partnership with China, which has significantly contributed to our national development. We are keen to enhance trade terms and investment flows to create more opportunities for our people,” CS Mbadi stated.
China remains Kenya’s largest bilateral creditor and a leading trading partner, playing a pivotal role in financing infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Minister Lan Fo’an reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s economic agenda, with promises to boost cooperation in renewable energy, digital transformation, and infrastructure financing.
CS Mbadi was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, Kenya’s Ambassador to China Willy Bett, and senior economic advisors from the Executive Office of the President—David Ndii, Adan Mohammed, and Haron Sirima.
The meeting marks a renewed commitment by both nations to fostering sustainable economic growth, securing favorable trade agreements, and strengthening financial collaboration. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Kenya’s economic trajectory and enhancing its global trade positioning.
