NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto kicked off his state visit to China with a bang on Wednesday, overseeing the signing of investment deals worth a staggering Sh107 billion.
China is pouring big money into Kenya’s future—from building factories and tech parks to boosting tourism and egg production.
It all happened at the Kenya-China Business Forum in Beijing, a high-stakes gathering spearheaded by Kenya’s Ministry of Trade in collaboration with KenInvest and the Chinese government.
Ruto’s Beijing visit opens door to Sh107 billion in Chinese investments rgk.co.ke/news-and-polit… #HomeOfHardTruths
Seven major Chinese firms made the cut, signing on to inject capital into sectors that touch nearly every corner of Kenya’s economy. The best part? Thousands of jobs are on the horizon.
Leading the investment charge is China Wuyi, with a Sh19.5 billion commitment to develop a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kikambala, Kilifi.
This industrial hub is expected to create over 5,000 jobs, supercharged by government incentives that make SEZs a sweet deal for investors.
Meanwhile, steel giant Rongtai Steel Limited is matching that investment with another Sh19.5 billion to build a steel factory in Lukenya, tailored to support Kenya’s affordable housing agenda.
Agriculture is also getting a tech-powered upgrade. Shandong Jialejia Agriculture is going big with a Sh3.9 billion mega egg farm in Kajiado, targeting half a million hens—all thanks to Kenya’s zero-rated import policy for hatchery eggs.
And in a biotech twist, Zonken Group is investing Sh52 billion in Baringo and Laikipia to process aloe vera and cultivate grapes for export.
Not to be outdone, the hospitality sector is heating up with Sh39 billion flowing from Huatian Hotel Group, which plans to buy and lease top Nairobi hotels to cater to the surge in visitors after Kenya’s visa-free entry policy.
The ongoing trade tariff wars could signal the end of the old world order as it has existed since the end of World War II.The financial and security architecture that arose out of the ashes of that conflict has largely benefited the Global North at the expense of the Global
The goal? Make Kenya a go-to destination for international travel and business tourism.
Over in Murang’a, tech gets a major upgrade thanks to a Sh6.5 billion investment from Kenya Smart Transportation Industry Park and Anhui Jiubao Electronic Technology.
These companies will set up a manufacturing plant for traffic lights and smart infrastructure, aiming to modernize Kenyan cities and create over 5,000 jobs in the process.
Ruto’s Business Pitch: Kenya Is “Open for Investment”
President Ruto wasn’t just there for photo ops. He made it clear that Kenya is rolling out the red carpet for global investors, touting tax breaks, streamlined profit repatriation, and legal protections as part of the deal.
“Kenya is open for business,” he declared, noting that more than 500 Chinese firms already operate in the country. He also encouraged investors to gear up for the 2026 Nairobi Investor Conference, positioning Kenya as East Africa’s strategic tech and logistics hub.
China’s private sector has been instrumental in driving Kenya’s economic growth over the years through their investments in various sectors of our economy.We endavour to encourage even greater participation of China’s private sector into our journey of economic transformation,
During the forum, KenInvest inked partnerships with three key Chinese players: the China-Africa Development Fund, which has already funneled $10 billion into the continent, the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce, and Duofu International Holdings Group—all aimed at turbocharging e-commerce and bilateral trade.
President Ruto’s trip to Beijing is more than a diplomatic courtesy—it’s a strategic sprint toward unlocking billions in investments, modernizing infrastructure, and creating jobs for Kenya’s youth.
With Chinese investors betting big on agriculture, tourism, and smart tech, the message is clear: Kenya isn’t just open for business—it’s ready to lead.
