Kenya has completed negotiations on a trade agreement with China, just two months after announcing a preliminary deal that would allow the East African nation duty-free access to the Chinese market, President William Ruto said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
Back in January, Kenya indicated that the early-stage agreement would grant 98% of its exports duty-free entry into China’s vast market.
As East Africa’s largest economy, Kenya has been strengthening its relationship with China, including a state visit by Ruto to Beijing last year, where several financing and cooperation deals were signed.
Trade between the two countries remains heavily in China’s favour. “We have this week finalised negotiations with the Government of the People’s Republic of China on a bilateral trade agreement,” Ruto said during a conference focused on attracting international investors.
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At the same time, Kenya maintains close ties with United States and is also in discussions over a separate bilateral trade deal with the administration of Donald Trump.
Ruto has pushed back against criticism from some U.S. officials regarding his government’s growing engagement with China, arguing that Kenya must increase exports to the large Asian economy in order to reduce the trade imbalance.
He also noted that Kenya’s economy has remained stable over the past year, pointing to controlled inflation and a steady shilling. In addition, foreign direct investment surpassed $2 billion for the first time in 2025, representing an increase of more than 15% compared to the previous year, he said.
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Image Credit: Reuters
