The Changsha delegation was led by Mr. Li Weiqun, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Changsha Municipal People’s Congress, and Mr. Yang Zhiren, Deputy Director of the Changsha Municipal Bureau of Commerce.

A key outcome of the meeting was the positioning of Changsha as a strategic entry point for Kenyan goods into China. The delegation made clear that goods entering through Changsha have the advantage of national distribution across China — a proposition that significantly enhances the commercial case for Kenyan exporters looking to scale their presence in the Chinese market.

The discussions identified several sectors of shared interest:

• Kenyan Agricultural Exports — Tea, coffee, macadamia nuts, flowers, avocados, and the emerging category of sausages were presented as Kenya’s primary export offer to the Chinese market.
• Chinese Manufacturing Strengths — Changsha’s industrial capabilities in heavy machinery, biomedical devices, and new energy were highlighted as areas of direct relevance to Kenya’s development agenda.
• Chinese Investment in Africa — The delegation noted that Chinese enterprises are actively seeking investment opportunities across Africa, and called on KNCCI to play a facilitation and orientation role for incoming investors.

Dr. Rutto drew attention to a stark but telling statistic: Kenya imports approximately KES 7.8 billion worth of goods from China annually, while exports to China stand at only KES 230 million — a significant trade imbalance that both sides acknowledged as an urgent opportunity to address. Growing Kenya’s export volumes to China is not only a commercial priority but a national economic imperative.

To build on the momentum of this engagement, a visit by a Kenyan delegation to Changsha’s biomedical companies has been proposed, with a view to exploring concrete investment and trade linkages in that sector.

KNCCI also committed to supporting the facilitation of Chinese investors eyeing opportunities in Kenya, further cementing the Chamber’s role as the bridge between Kenya’s business community and global markets.

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Key details of the MoU
· It focuses on deepening trade and investment ties between Kenya and China
· Supports business-to-business linkages between Kenyan and Chinese enterprises
· Enhances market access for Kenyan exports, especially under China’s new zero-tariff policy for African countries
· Promotes cooperation in priority sectors such as:Agriculture (e.g. coffee, avocados) Manufacturing, Energy & mining, Trade and
· Facilitates trade promotion, exhibitions, and matchmaking platforms between the two countries
Strategic significance
· The MoU is part of broader efforts to reduce Kenya’s trade deficit with China and scale exports
· It aligns with ongoing initiatives to position Kenya as a gateway to East and Central Africa for Chinese investors
· It strengthens KNCCI’s role as a bridge between Kenyan businesses and international markets

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Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) China Office in partnership with the China–Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council (CAETPC), successfully hosted an Investor Attraction and Business Networking Session in Shanghai, China, engaging with over 70 Chinese companies eager to explore investment opportunities in Kenya’s dynamic market.

During the event, Fredrick Mukilya, Chief Representative of the KNCCI China Office, detailed Kenya unmatched economic potential, a gateway to Eastern and Central Africa and the third-largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, recognized for its stable macroeconomic environment, transparent regulatory systems and strong financial markets.
In 2024, the manufacturing sector contributed 7.7% to Kenya GDP, reflecting a 2.4% growth from 2023 1.8%. This expansion was driven by rapid growth in textiles and apparel, valued at KES 57.5 billion (RMB 2.99 billion), leather and leather products at KES 6.2 billion (RMB 322.4 million) and increasing exports of agro-processed goods to Asia. Kenya agricultural exports to China are flourishing, with avocados worth KES 22.1 billion (RMB 1.2 billion), macadamia nuts at KES 7.8 billion (RMB 406 million), tea exports reaching KES 168.3 billion (RMB 8.8 billion), and cut flowers at KES 108.1 billion (RMB 5.62 billion). These achievements position Kenya as an agricultural powerhouse and a dependable export partner.

He highlighted Kenya’s leadership in green industrialization, where over 90% of electricity is from renewable sources—geothermal (44.2%), hydro (28.9%), wind (14.3%) and solar (3.7%), building a sustainable, low-carbon manufacturing base attractive to global investors. With a young, skilled workforce exceeding 20 million, competitive labor costs and top-tier logistics via Mombasa and Lamu ports, plus duty-free access to markets under AfCFTA and EPA agreements, Kenya presents a strategic, cost-effective platform for investors seeking access to Africa’s 1.4 billion consumers. He stressed that investing in Kenya means engaging with a nation where growth aligns with stability, innovation offers opportunities and partnerships transform potential into prosperity.

The CAETPC leadership reaffirmed its commitment to continue cooperating with KNCCI in engaging with Chinese investors through ongoing forums, matchmaking sessions, and high-level business visits aimed at deepening Sino–Kenyan cooperation.

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