China–Kenya Chambers Sign MoU To Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation through trade facilitation, knowledge exchange and joint research initiatives.
The agreement aims to deepen industrial and commercial ties, particularly in machinery and electronic products, while supporting investment flows and technology transfer between the two countries.
According to Shi Yonghong, Vice-President of the Chinese chamber, trade in machinery and electronic products between China and Kenya has grown from US$ 2.28 billion in 2018 to US$ 3.78 billion in 2024. He added that trade reached US$ 2.66 billion between January and July this year alone, reflecting a 25.8% year-on-year increase.
Shi further noted that Chinese enterprises are expanding their footprint in Kenya, with over 20 new machinery and electronics engineering projects signed in 2024, valued at approximately US$ 4.23 billion. These projects span sectors, including railway transport, power and mining, contributing to local employment and skill development.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Erick Rutto emphasized industrialisation as central to Kenya’s economic transformation, noting that manufacturing currently contributes 7.6% to GDP, below the national target of 15%. He highlighted the sector’s potential for large-scale job creation and SME growth.
Officials from the Kenya Investment Authority reiterated Kenya’s attractiveness as an investment destination, citing its strategic location, stable economy, logistics infrastructure and industrial zones.
The announcement was made during the opening of the 8th Kenya International Industrial Expo in Nairobi, which has attracted over 200 international exhibitors and more than 6,000 trade visitors under the theme ‘Investing in Tomorrow – Trading for Prosperity’.
