Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Mutahi Kagwe, has praised China’s decision to grant zero-tariff access to Kenyan agricultural exports, describing it as a “significant turning point” in bilateral trade relations between the two nations.
Kagwe noted that this new arrangement will yield substantial benefits for Kenyan farmers, exporters, and the national economy.
Speaking after a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, in Nairobi, he explained that the initiative, effective May 1, 2026, has the potential to reshape Kenya’s agricultural trade landscape by providing access to China’s extensive consumer market.
The elimination of tariffs, which previously ranged from 4 percent to 25 percent depending on the product, is expected to greatly enhance the price competitiveness of Kenyan exports, making it crucial for the long-term growth of the sector.
“Partnerships in agro-processing will enable us to strengthen value chains, create jobs, and increase incomes for farmers,” he remarked.
Kagwe highlighted that the policy shift operationalizes trade agreements established during President William Ruto’s state visit to China last year.
“It opens a major opportunity for Kenyan farmers and exporters to access one of the world’s largest markets,” he stated.
Under the new agreement, Kenyan agricultural products will enter the Chinese market duty-free, a major advantage for key exports such as tea, coffee, fresh and frozen avocados, macadamia nuts, cut flowers, and a variety of fresh horticultural produce, including vegetables and herbs. These products are central to Kenya’s export agriculture and are expected to see increased demand due to the new pricing benefits.
“Now that we have duty-free access to the Chinese market, we must maximize it by exporting more value-added agricultural products,” he urged.
Beyond access to the market, Kagwe also pointed out the broader economic implications of the deal, such as increased foreign exchange earnings, job creation, and strengthened agricultural value chains.
He encouraged Kenyan investors to enhance production and collaborate with Chinese firms in agro-processing to transition from raw exports to higher-value products.
Kagwe stressed the importance of maintaining strict quality standards to sustain access to the Chinese market, directing agencies like the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to ensure compliance with international phytosanitary requirements.
“Quality will be critical as we expand into this market. Our regulatory agencies must ensure that Kenyan exports meet the highest international standards,” he affirmed.
Ambassador Guo Haiyan acknowledged the steady growth of agricultural trade between the two countries, noting that Kenya is already a significant agricultural exporter to China.
She reported that in 2025, Kenya’s exports of coffee and tea to China reached USD 24.46 million, accounting for 10.8 percent of Kenya’s agricultural exports to China, with an 8.8 percent year-on-year growth. Exports of fresh and frozen avocados and macadamia nuts also totaled USD 19.9 million, representing 8.8 percent of Kenya’s agricultural exports to China.
“China is committed to expanding agricultural cooperation with Kenya under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework, including supporting greater market access for Kenyan products, strengthening agricultural value chains and enhancing technical cooperation and capacity building,” she said
Kagwe also expressed Kenya’s interest in deepening cooperation with China beyond trade, particularly in technology transfer, agricultural training, and capacity building.
