NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya and China have agreed on a new zero-tariff framework that will allow a range of Kenyan exports to access the Chinese market duty-free starting May 1, 2026, in a move aimed at correcting the widening trade imbalance between the two countries.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the development on Monday after hosting visiting Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and addressing the High-Level Kenya–China Business Forum in Nairobi.
Kindiki said relations between Kenya and China have remained strong and mutually beneficial since 1963, anchored on trade, infrastructure investment, and people-to-people ties.
“The two countries have developed strong trade, investment, and people-to-people ties that have resisted influence from the ever-changing geopolitics of the last six decades,” he said.
He noted that China has played a major role in Kenya’s infrastructure development, including railways, roads, manufacturing, water, and energy projects across the country.
However, Kindiki highlighted a significant trade imbalance favoring China. He said Kenya imports goods worth more than $4.3 billion annually from China, while exports to the Asian nation remain low at about $200 million.
“To correct the trade imbalance which is currently in favour of China, President William Ruto of Kenya and President Xi Jinping of China agreed on a Framework Agreement which will see Kenyan products accessing the Chinese market at zero tariff effective 1st May 2026,” Kindiki said.
Under the arrangement, value-added Kenyan products, including coffee, tea, avocados, macadamia, nuts, fruits, flowers, vegetables, leather, and other agricultural and manufactured goods, will enter China duty-free.
The Deputy President said the agreement is expected to boost Kenyan exports, create jobs, and expand opportunities for local producers and exporters seeking access to China’s vast consumer market.
“This means value-added Kenyan coffee, tea, avocados, macadamia, nuts, fruits, flowers, vegetables, leather, and other products will find their way to China duty-free, creating more jobs for Kenyans and growing the wealth of Kenyan exporters,” he added.
The High-Level Kenya–China Business Forum brought together government officials and private sector players from both countries to explore trade and investment opportunities.
Officials said discussions focused on expanding market access, strengthening industrial partnerships, and enhancing infrastructure cooperation.
The zero-tariff agreement is expected to take effect in May 2026 following implementation procedures by both governments.
