Kenya is stepping up efforts to strengthen its trade and investment ties with China as the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) hosted a high-level delegation from Hunan Province this week.
The meeting, chaired by Richard Ndung’u, head of the KNCCI Kenya–China (Asia) Committee, brought together Kenyan business leaders who took part in the China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) held in Hunan in June 2025. Discussions focused on expanding collaboration in manufacturing, agribusiness, technology and infrastructure.
Participants shared positive outcomes from CAETE 2025, noting that the event had created new opportunities for Kenyan exporters, especially in coffee, tea and fresh produce, which continue to attract Chinese interest.
The forum reviewed progress on the KNCCI Representative Office in Hunan Province, which has become a strategic link between Kenyan businesses and the Chinese market.
The office facilitates B2B connections, investment promotion and trade facilitation, making it easier for local enterprises to access China’s vast consumer base.According to KNCCI, trade between Kenya and China remains robust, with China ranked among Kenya’s top three trading partners.
Imports from China include machinery, electronics and industrial inputs, while Kenya exports agricultural products and minerals. In 2024 alone Kenya imported goods worth Sh1.1 trillion ($8.58 billion) according to the United Nation’s COMMONTRADE database on international trade.
On the other hand Kenya exported goods worth Sh28.54 billion ($221 million) in the same year according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC).Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation and increase bilateral trade volumes.
KNCCI’s ongoing collaboration with Hunan Province is likely to reduce the gap of trade deficit between the two nations.
For years, the trade deficit between Kenya and the Asian economic giant has been widening.In the first quarter of 2025, the trade deficit surged to Sh295 billion, which means Kenya continues to depend on Chinese imports to meet its demands.
