Kenya secures stronger trade and investment ties with China in High-Level Talks.
Kenya and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic cooperation, with a focus on trade, infrastructure investment, and financial collaboration.
In a high-level meeting held in Beijing today, the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, Hon. John Mbadi Ng’ongo, engaged with China’s Minister of Finance, H.E. Lan Fo'an, to discuss strengthening financial and trade ties between the two nations.The discussions centred on Kenya’s strategic priorities, including infrastructure, energy, and technology, which are key to accelerating the country’s economic growth.
CS Mbadi emphasized the need for increased Chinese investment in these critical sectors, particularly in financing major infrastructure projects and enhancing bilateral trade.The leaders also explored mechanisms to improve Kenya’s trade balance with China, seeking expanded market access for Kenyan exports, including agricultural and manufactured goods. China remains Kenya’s largest bilateral creditor and a key trading partner, with trade between the two nations surpassing $6.8 billion in 2023.
The meeting reaffirmed both governments’ commitment to reinforcing these economic partnerships.
"Kenya values its long-standing economic partnership with China, which has significantly contributed to our national development. We are keen to enhance trade terms and investment flows to create more opportunities for our people," CS Mbadi stated.
Minister Lan Fo'an reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s economic agenda, including financing infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and expanding cooperation in renewable energy and digital transformation.
The CS is accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Dr. Chris Kiptoo, CBS - Principal Secretary of the National Treasury; Amb. Willy Bett, Kenya’s Ambassador to China; and senior economic advisors from the Executive Office of the President.: Dr. David Ndii, Mohammed Hassan, and Dr. Haron Sirima.
Today’s meeting signals a renewed commitment to creating sustainable economic growth, securing favourable trade agreements, and ensuring mutually beneficial financial cooperation between Kenya and China.