Kenya Finalizes China Trade Deal as Ruto Pushes Export Access

China's President Xi Jinping (R) and Kenya's President William Ruto shake hands during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on April 24, 2025. (Photo by IORI SAGISAWA / POOL / AFP)

Kenya says it has finalized negotiations on a bilateral trade deal with China that will give 98% of Kenyan exports duty-free access to the Chinese market, a move President William Ruto says will help narrow a trade relationship long tilted toward Beijing.

The agreement follows a preliminary deal announced in January and comes as Nairobi continues to deepen commercial ties with China even while also pursuing a separate trade accord with Washington.

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by CGSP Staff

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