China has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing economic, trade, and development cooperation with Kenya, with visiting Vice President Han Zheng outlining a comprehensive support framework focusing on investment, industrialization, and market access.
Speaking at the Kenya–China Business Forum in Nairobi, Han emphasized Beijing’s willingness to align its development strategy with Kenya’s national priorities, including Vision 2030. He described this alignment as part of a long-term partnership based on a “community with a shared future.”
Han’s visit, at the invitation of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, precedes the implementation of China’s zero-tariff policy for African exports starting May 1, which is expected to significantly increase Kenya’s access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
He expressed China’s readiness to play a more active role in Kenya’s economic transformation, particularly through policy coordination and knowledge exchange.
“China is ready to deepen the exchange of governance experience with Kenya and further strengthen the synergy between development strategies, including Kenya’s bottom-up economic transformation agenda and Vision 2030,” he stated.
Han also committed to supporting Kenya and other African nations in converting their natural and economic resources into sustainable development gains. He stressed the importance of “translating resource endowment into development strengths” as a pathway to modernization.
A key aspect of China’s engagement, according to Han, will be increasing bilateral trade and investment flows.
“China is ready to fully implement the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, take the right approach to friendship and interests, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as agricultural technology, the digital economy, and green energy,” Han declared.
He further indicated that Beijing would actively encourage Chinese enterprises to expand their footprint in Kenya, particularly in sectors that can drive long-term growth.
“We will encourage more capable and well-established Chinese companies to invest and do business in Kenya to help expand competitive industries, realize sustainable development, and foster new growth drivers,” Han added.
Currently, China is Kenya’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment, while Kenya is China’s largest trading partner in East Africa.
Han described the upcoming zero-tariff policy as a concrete demonstration of China’s commitment to Africa’s development.
“Last month, President Xi Jinping announced that China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China, starting from May 1, 2026. This fully demonstrates China’s firm resolve and sincerity in taking real action for the common prosperity and development of the Global South,” he said.
The policy is expected to eliminate tariff barriers on a wide range of Kenyan exports, creating new opportunities for producers and exporters while addressing long-standing trade imbalances.
Following the forum, Han oversaw the flag-off of the first shipment of Kenyan goods to China under the new trade arrangement, marking a transition from policy commitment to practical implementation.
Beyond bilateral trade, Han positioned China and Kenya as partners in promoting an open global trading system amid increasing economic uncertainty.
“We are ready to work with Kenya and other African countries in defending the multilateral trading system and fostering an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory international environment for economic cooperation,” he stated.
Han also highlighted the role of the private sector in translating policy into tangible outcomes, urging entrepreneurs from both countries to “act as a bridge” and advance mutually beneficial partnerships.
At the same time, Han pointed to China’s internal economic planning as a source of opportunity for Kenya and other international partners. Referring to China’s recently approved 15th Five-Year Plan, he noted it outlines a development roadmap that will expand opportunities for global economic engagement.
“China will expand high-standard opening up unswervingly, better integrate itself into international economic circulation, and work with Kenya and other countries to share opportunities amid openness and development, helping each other succeed,” said the Vice President.
Han also referenced the long historical relationship between China and Kenya, noting that contacts date back over 600 years to the voyages of Chinese navigator Zheng He, underscoring the depth and continuity of bilateral ties.
