Kenya has secured a major trade breakthrough with China after negotiations yielded a preliminary agreement granting Kenyan goods expansive duty-free access to the world’s second-largest economy.

In a statement released on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Investments, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui announced that Kenya had successfully negotiated an “early harvest” trade framework with China that will allow 98.2 per cent of Kenyan exports to enter the Chinese market at zero duty.

The deal comes against the backdrop of China’s recent decision to offer duty-free and quota-free (DFQF) market access to African countries, a policy that largely benefits Least Developed Countries (LDCs) while excluding developing economies such as Kenya.

“To mitigate this, we have initiated discussions with China to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement that aligns with the privileges enjoyed by our East African Community neighbours and other African nations,” Kinyanjui stated.

“We are pleased to share that these engagements have resulted in a preliminary agreement that allows for 98.2% zero-duty market access for Kenyan goods. This early harvest framework is a monumental progression that signifies China’s commitment to strengthening our trade ties further.”

Trade barriers

According to the Cabinet Secretary, the agreement is designed to correct a structural disadvantage that has long locked Kenyan exporters out of preferential access to the Chinese market, unlike several of Kenya’s East African Community neighbours and other African states classified as LDCs.

The newly agreed framework now places Kenya on a more competitive footing, significantly lowering trade barriers and opening doors for Kenyan products across multiple sectors.

Boost for agriculture and jobs

The zero-duty access is expected to have its most immediate impact in theagricultural sector, which remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy and a major source of employment.

With reduced tariffs, Kenyan exporters are expected to diversify their export basket and increase volumes of products such as tea, coffee, horticultural produce, processed foods, and other value-added goods destined for China.

The ministry projects that the expanded market access will stimulate production, attract investment into export-oriented industries, and create significant employment opportunities across value chains.

“The introduction of zero-duty access will unlock vast economic potential for Kenyan exporters, allowing for diversification of our export basket, especially in the agricultural sector, which is the mainstay of our economy. This development is expected to generate considerable employment opportunities and bring tangible benefits to our economy,” the statement read.

“In conclusion, the Government of Kenya remains committed to pursuing opportunities that enhance our trade capabilities and strengthen our partnerships on the world stage. We look forward to the positive impacts of this agreement on our economy and the wellbeing of our citizens.”