Chinese Vice President Han Zheng’s recent visit to Kenya has initiated a new chapter in bilateral relations, featuring expanded trade opportunities, strategic alignment, and enhanced economic cooperation, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan has said.
Speaking during a briefing for Kenyan journalists and scholars in Nairobi, Guo described the four-day visit as “a complete success,” noting that it yielded tangible results that will shape the future trajectory of the two nations.
“The Chinese side believes that with the rich schedule and fruitful outcomes. This outcome has been achieved through the common efforts and close coordination of China and Kenya, and will inject important impetus into the development of China-Kenya relations in the new phase,” she stated.
Guo emphasized that Kenya’s selection as the first stop on Han’s three-nation African tour underscores the strategic importance Beijing places on its relationship with Nairobi.
She remarked, “The visit shows that China highly value Kenya and China-Kenya relations,” adding that the discussions held during the trip laid a solid foundation for deeper collaboration.
Zero-Tariff Policy
Central to this renewed cooperation is China’s commitment to fully implement a zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries, including Kenya, starting May 1, 2026.
Guo described this decision as a “major step forward” in enhancing China’s engagement with Africa and fulfilling commitments made under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
She indicated that the policy is expected to significantly reduce barriers for Kenyan exports entering the Chinese market, unlocking new growth opportunities for sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and value-added goods.
The primary benefits of the deal include lowering export costs for African goods, boosting trade volumes and profitability, attracting Chinese investment into African manufacturing, and supporting job creation and poverty reduction across the continent.
“By removing tariffs completely, China intends to boost trade, multiply benefits for African people, help Africa access the enormous opportunities of the Chinese market, and deliver tangible benefits to the continent,” she explained.
During his visit, Han oversaw the launch of the first consignment of Kenyan goods destined for China under the zero-tariff arrangement. The shipment, which includes avocados, avocado oil, and leather products, is set to arrive in China in early May, marking the beginning of a new export pathway for Kenyan producers.
Guo noted that 25 Kenyan companies participated in the zero-tariff export showcase, while 68 Chinese firms attended the China-Kenya Business Forum, reflecting strong private sector interest from both sides.
“It is fair to say that China’s intention to fully implement the zero-tariff treatment for Africa is sincere, and its efforts for implementation have been pragmatic and proactive,” she said.
During his time in Kenya, Han also engaged in high-level discussions with President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to strengthening political trust and aligning development strategies.
Guo identified three key pillars emerging from Han’s visit: the consolidation of strategic mutual trust, the expansion of high-quality practical cooperation, and a joint commitment to multilateralism.
China pledged to support Kenya’s development priorities, including industrialization, infrastructure development, and economic transformation, while encouraging greater participation from Chinese enterprises in Kenya’s growth sectors.
In return, Kenya expressed its readiness to leverage the zero-tariff framework to boost exports, attract investment, and position itself as a gateway for Chinese engagement with the broader African market.
The visit also resulted in the signing of significant cooperation agreements, including an early harvest arrangement under the Economic Partnership Agreement for Shared Development.
Additionally, China committed $2 million in cash assistance to support development initiatives in Kenya.
Guo stated that these frameworks will provide “long-term, stable, and predictable institutional guarantees” for economic cooperation, particularly in areas like trade facilitation, rules of origin, and supply chain efficiency.
According to the envoy, China and Kenya are aligned in fostering a more inclusive international order and enhancing South-South cooperation. She noted that Kenya has established itself as a regional gateway for Chinese enterprises seeking access to African markets, utilizing existing Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure, such as the SGR, to improve connectivity.
Guo reiterated China’s commitment to collaborating with African countries and international institutions, including the United Nations, to promote global stability, development, and equitable governance systems.
“China is ready to work with African countries, including Kenya, to consolidate strategic mutual trust as partners on the path to modernization, deepen economic and trade cooperation as true friends for mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and uphold multilateralism as builders of an open world economy,” Ambassador Guo remarked.
She also expressed optimism that the outcomes of the visit will accelerate Kenya’s integration into global value chains while deepening China–Africa economic ties even as she called for coordinated efforts to fully implement the zero-tariff policy to ensure early and measurable benefits for both sides.
“We hope that Kenya and other African countries will work together with China, make concerted efforts to fully and effectively implement the zero-tariff treatment and deliver substantial results at an early date, thereby contributing to the building of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era,” she said
