NAIROBI, Kenya — China-Kenya trade surged to new heights in the first quarter of 2025, with total bilateral trade reaching 16.13 billion yuan (approximately $2.2 billion), marking a 11.9% year-on-year increase, according to data released by China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) on Tuesday. This represents the sixth consecutive quarter of growth and a record high for the period.
China’s exports to Kenya climbed by 11.8% year-on-year, while imports from Kenya rose 13.2%, signaling balanced growth as the two nations bolster economic cooperation amid high-level diplomatic engagement.
The strong trade figures coincide with Kenyan President William Ruto’s ongoing state visit to China, running from April 22 to 26. The visit underscores a renewed commitment to deepen ties between Nairobi and Beijing, building on the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
“We believe this visit will contribute to deepening China’s relations with Kenya, building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future, and promoting the solidarity and cooperation of the Global South,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.
In an interview with the People’s Daily, President Ruto expressed Kenya’s interest in advancing green development through partnerships with Chinese new-energy companies, particularly electric vehicle manufacturers. He emphasized the importance of enhancing Kenya’s manufacturing capacity with the help of Chinese technology and investment.
“Kenya is evaluating the possibility of joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism,” Ruto revealed. “In a multipolar world, we are committed to broadening our partnerships and exploring multilateral cooperation opportunities to drive exports and foster technological collaboration.”
A Model for China-Africa Cooperation
China remains Kenya’s largest trading partner and top import source, while Kenya holds the position of China’s largest trade partner in East Africa. Their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been hailed as a model for China-Africa engagement.
Trade in agricultural products has been a bright spot in bilateral relations. Since Kenya’s fresh avocados gained market access to China in August 2022, the Asian giant has imported 6,892.5 tons worth 90 million yuan. Kenya now ranks as China’s third-largest supplier of fresh avocados.
In the first quarter of 2025, imports of specialty Kenyan agricultural goods continued to rise sharply, with tea imports growing by an astounding 175.2% and crabs by 30.7% year-on-year.
Empowering Kenyan Industry and Infrastructure
On the export front, China provided Kenya with a diverse range of high-quality goods. Exports of intermediate goods rose by 11.4%, consumer products by 10.1%, and capital goods by 10.4%. Chinese electronics, mobile phones, home appliances, and high-end equipment have played a critical role in diversifying the Kenyan market and improving living standards.
Chinese engineering equipment exports also soared, supporting Kenya’s infrastructure boom. Bulldozer exports jumped by 112.4%, excavators by 190.6%, and mobile cranes by an extraordinary 710%.
These developments underscore the success of infrastructure cooperation under the BRI, which has seen major road and bridge construction projects across Kenya with Chinese involvement.
The GAC affirmed its ongoing support for expanding cooperation across emerging sectors, signaling more opportunities on the horizon as China and Kenya deepen their strategic partnership.
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