Kenya and China are poised to embark on a new phase of their strategic partnership, building upon decades of robust political, economic, and people-to-people cooperation.
This forward-looking sentiment was jointly expressed on Wednesday evening by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan in Nairobi, during celebrations to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Conveying Kenya’s goodwill message to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people, Mudavadi described China’s post-1949 transformation as a model worthy of emulation.
“On this 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, we are reminded of the country’s exemplary and sustained nation-building. This is reflected in the building of state institutions, poverty eradication, and advancing national cohesion and unity,” he said
He specifically noted that China’s development trajectory offers valuable lessons for Kenya as it formulates its agenda beyond Vision 2030.
“The Chinese people have consistently created history and shaped their future. Today, China has made remarkable strides in its development, emerging as one of the world’s leading economies. I congratulate the leadership and people of China on the remarkable transformation of their nation,” he stated.
He added, “As Vision 2030 approaches its conclusion, we are already looking ahead to craft our development agenda beyond 2030. In this regard, Kenya and China have much to share in national transformation into the future.”
Mudavadi, who is also the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, underscored that frequent high-level engagements between China and Kenya have significantly strengthened bilateral relations. He cited President William Ruto’s State Visit to China last year, which elevated Sino-Kenya relationship.
“Kenya and China signed the Early Harvest Agreement, also known as the Zero Tariff Agreement, in March 2026. This agreement facilitates Chinese market access for Kenyan exports at no tariff, with effect from May 2026,” he explained.
Under this new arrangement, he reported that exports of coffee, avocados, and tea were experiencing growth, thereby supporting agricultural value chains and job creation.
In her remarks, Ambassador Guo confirmed early gains from the policy, revealing a 700 per cent surge in Kenyan avocado oil exports to China and a 350 per cent increase in aquatic products such as sea cucumber. Coffee exports, she noted, had nearly doubled by the end of August.
“We hope that zero tariffs, the upgraded green channel for Kenyan products exported to China, and other preferential policies will enable more high-quality Kenyan products to enter the Chinese market faster and in greater quantities,” Ambassador Guo stated.
She further announced that China had extended comprehensive zero-tariff treatment, without conditions, to Africa for the benefit of its people.
“We have proactively expanded unilateral opening up, granting comprehensive zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which China maintains diplomatic relations, without attaching any conditions. We cherish our traditional friendship,” she affirmed.
Beyond trade, the envoy expressed China’s readiness to continue expanding cooperation with Kenya in crucial sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, and science and technology.
“China stands ready to strengthen exchanges with Kenya on development philosophies and align our development strategies. We will continue to support each other and work hand in hand on respective paths toward modernization,” she said.
Ambassador Guo contextualised the bilateral relationship within the broader seven-decade history of China-Africa relations, noting that the partnership has evolved through shared struggles for independence and self-determination and now centres on development and modernisation.
“China’s development cannot be separated from friendly cooperation with countries around the world. For seven decades, China and Africa have strengthened friendship through struggles against imperialism and colonialism, national independence, self-determination, development, revitalisation, and modernisation,” she elaborated.
She stressed that China’s engagement with Africa is fundamentally based on respect for sovereignty and non-interference.
“China always regards Africa as a continent full of hope. We have never interfered in the internal affairs of African countries. Instead, we have firmly supported Africa in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and national dignity,” she stated.
Ambassador Guo reaffirmed China’s continued support for African countries in pursuing their own development paths while advancing an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future.
Mudavadi welcomed the commitment from the Chinese ambassador, noting that Kenya highly values China’s support for major road and railway projects, including the dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway towards Kisumu and Malaba, and the proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba.
He explained that the projects would significantly improve regional connectivity and facilitate access to the Indian Ocean for landlocked countries. He also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing.
Both sides also pledged closer coordination in multilateral affairs to safeguard their legitimate interests and those of the wider Global South.
“We are ready to strengthen communication and coordination in multilateral affairs, firmly support each other, and better safeguard the legitimate rights of both countries and the common interests of the Global South,” Ambassador Guo said.
She added that the expanding partnership serves the interests of both countries and improves the welfare of their peoples.
Since its founding, Ambassador Guo noted that China has risen from the brink of extinction to national rejuvenation, overcoming immense hardships with courage and determination.
