President William Ruto has announced that Kenya and China have agreed to fast-track the conclusion of a free trade agreement aimed at strengthening economic ties and enhancing investment between the two nations.

In a statement shared on his X account on April 23, 2025, following a high-level meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, Ruto confirmed that both governments have committed to fast-tracking the deal to facilitate increased market access and mutual economic growth.

“At my meeting with Prime Minister Li Qiang, we agreed to accelerate trade and investment relations between Kenya and China. We also commit to the speedy conclusion of a free trade agreement between our two countries,” he stated.

Ruto, who is on an official visit to China, expressed appreciation for China’s international development initiatives, particularly their impact on infrastructure development across the African continent.

“I commend China for its commitment to international cooperation, embodied in the Belt and Road Initiative, which has significantly advanced infrastructure across Kenya and Africa,” he added.

New investment pledges

On Wednesday, during his visit, Ruto also announced that at least seven Chinese firms had signed agreements to invest in Kenya, following the Kenya-China Investor Roundtable in Beijing.

The investments are expected to create jobs and support Kenya’s long-term development strategy.

The companies include China Wu Yi, Chongqing Shancheng Apparel Group Co. Ltd, Rongtai Steel Co. Ltd, Kenya Smart Transportation Industry Park/Anhui Jiubao Electronic Co. Ltd, Shandong Jialejia Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technology Co. Ltd, Zonken Group, and Hunan Conference Exhibition Group/Hautian Hotel Management Company.

“China’s private sector has been instrumental in driving Kenya’s economic growth over the years through its investments in various sectors of our economy. We endeavour to encourage even greater participation of China’s private sector in our journey of economic transformation, which in turn, will create thousands of jobs for our youth,” Ruto stated.

Ruto’s itinerary in China

Ruto’s four-day visit to China, which kicked off today, includes meetings with President Xi Jinping and other top government officials, where discussions are centred on economic cooperation, sustainable development, and regional peace and security.

As part of efforts to boost agricultural exports, he is also expected to inaugurate the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian Province.

The facility, located in one of China’s major tea-growing regions, aims to enhance market access and visibility for Kenyan tea.

Earlier in the day, Ruto delivered a keynote address at Peking University, where he highlighted Africa’s aspirations for inclusive growth and called for stronger South cooperation.