China’s NPC set to boost trade with Kenya amid global tension
By Ian Okal, March 17, 2025Kenya is set to benefit from China’s recently concluded 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) policy shift, in a bid to strengthen global trade, technological innovation, and industrial growth.
China’s top legislative gathering outlined the country’s economic and political direction for the year emphasising economic stability, technological innovation, and infrastructure development, which are key areas that have historically shaped China-Kenya relations.
“China-Africa relations is now at its best in history,” said China’s Premier, Li Qiang, “ China has established strategic partnerships with all African countries and now we have different diplomatic ties with each of them.”
With Western countries scaling back financial aid to Kenya, Kenya has increasingly looked to China for economic partnerships and funding for its major ongoing projects like the completion of Mombasa- Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension to Malaba.
The shift is being driven majorly by Beijing’s willingness to finance large-scale infrastructure projects without the stringent conditions often attached to Western loans.
Beijing’s reaffirmation of international trade and investment partnerships signals potential benefits for Kenya, a major African partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Over the years, China has played a pivotal role in Kenya’s infrastructure development, funding projects such as the SGR and multiple road networks.
“In terms of the BRI corporations, one issue is about interconnectivity through trades. And trade and economic cooperation has been our major priority in Kenya,” Qiang said. China’s renewed focus on industrial growth and digital transformation presents a unique opening for Kenya, particularly in the ICT, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors.
He highlighted that they were keen to be part of the GDP growth which was projected to have a 5 per cent increase in the year 2025.
“Kenya has a vision for its industrialisation sector to have more value added to their export products in the global market,” Qiang added.
Trade experts suggest that Kenya could attract fresh investments in industrial parks, fintech, and logistics, aligning with China’s push for high-tech expansion.