Kenya is moving to rebalance its trade relationship with China after securing a preliminary agreement that grants duty-free access for 98.2% of its exports. Announced by the trade ministry, the deal marks a significant step toward a broader bilateral trade pact now under discussion. The breakthrough follows President William Ruto’s state visit to Beijing last year, which deepened economic ties through new financing and cooperation agreements. As China remains Kenya’s largest source of imports, the government sees expanded export access as a way to narrow a long-standing trade imbalance that currently favors China. Despite skepticism from some US officials, Nairobi is pressing ahead, framing the deal as a pragmatic push to boost exports, competitiveness, and long-term growth.
CNBC Africa
