The government has officially launched zero-tariff export shipments to China, opening unprecedented access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

Under the “Early Harvest” arrangement, 98.2% of Kenyan exports to China will enter duty-free, effective May 1, 2026.

The symbolic event took place on March 23, 2026, at the Syokimau Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) terminus, where Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and China’s Vice President Han Zheng flagged off the first consignment.

Fifty-four containers carrying products including fresh and processed avocados, avocado oil, coffee, hides and skins, and other agricultural goods departed via the Madaraka Express freight service toward Mombasa Port for onward shipment to China. The launch highlighted improved rail logistics, enabling faster and more cost-effective delivery.

Kenya–China relations strengthened

Investments, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui described the zero-tariff policy as “more than a policy shift; it is a game changer,” unlocking access to over 1.4 billion consumers.

He noted that goods like tea, coffee, avocados, macadamia nuts, cut flowers, and horticultural products previously facing tariffs of up to 15% now enter duty-free.

“Kenyan goods exported to China now enjoy zero tariffs, an unprecedented breakthrough in our export journey. This is more than a policy shift; it is a game changer that opens the door to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and positions Kenya for a new era of trade growth and value addition,” read the X post dated March 23, 2026.

Han Zheng’s visit to Kenya coincided with the launch and began on March 22, 2026, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where he was received by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, China’s Ambassador Guo Haiyan, Kenya’s Ambassador to China Willy Bett, and other officials.

Mudavadi described the visit as a testament to the “strong and enduring relations” between the two countries, emphasising shared goals in infrastructure, trade, investment, and economic development.

Earlier, Kenyan and Chinese leaders participated in the Kenya–China Forum, reaffirming commitments to deepen bilateral ties.

Opportunity for Kenyan businesses

The initiative is expected to boost economic growth by encouraging value addition, increasing farmer incomes, creating jobs in agro-processing, and narrowing Kenya’s trade deficit with China. Agricultural exports to China, which totaled around $44 million last year for key items, are poised for expansion.

Kinyanjui called on farmers, manufacturers, and exporters to maximise the opportunity, noting that enhanced SGR connectivity and government support for meeting Chinese standards will help Kenyan businesses scale production.