National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has lauded Kenya’s newly signed trade agreement with China, describing it as a pivotal step toward bolstering the nation’s economy.

The deal, which eliminates tariffs and taxes on Kenyan exports to China, was announced during President William Ruto’s recent state visit to Beijing.

Addressing constituents in Lugari on Sunday, June 15, 2025, during a church service, Wetang’ula emphasized that the move will see more local producers and youths reap maximum benefits.

“This is a historic moment for Kenya. The removal of tariffs and taxes on our exports to China opens up vast markets for our farmers, manufacturers, and service providers,” Wetang’ula said.

 He highlighted that Kenya’s agricultural products, including tea, coffee, flowers, and fruits, would now have easier access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

The Speaker also noted the broader implications of the deal, saying, “This agreement not only benefits individual businesses but also strengthens our national economy by promoting trade and investment.”

 He urged Kenyan entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity to expand their reach into international markets.

Wetang’ula further underscored the importance of unity in achieving national development goals.

 “For this agreement to yield its full potential, we must work together as a nation. Unity among leaders and citizens is essential to harness the benefits of this trade deal,” he remarked.

The call for unity

He called on lawmakers to lead by example in development and unify all blocs to achieve a common goal.

 “As legislators, we have a responsibility to foster an environment conducive to development. This means setting aside political differences and focusing on policies that promote the welfare of all Kenyans,” he said.

Wetang’ula’s remarks align with his previous calls for unity in the Western region. In December 2023, Wetangula urged leaders in the region to remain united ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasizing that a divided Western would work to the advantage of other regions and hinder the formation of the next government.

“What we have lacked as a region, for a very long time, is the ability to stand united,” the Speaker said.

“Let us all come together because when you meet our brothers from Mount Kenya, Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Ukambani, they all speak one language, but when you come to Western, this is where democracy lives.”

Wetangula’s call for unity was also echoed by other leaders in the region. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has expressed commitment to working closely with all leaders to attain the region’s development goals.

He noted that his government would embrace partnership and mutual collaboration with both national and county leadership. “We are in the office to serve all despite our political affiliations. Support us in the course of transformation,” Barasa appealed.

Kenya-China trade deal

Kenya secured over Ksh.126 billion in deals to actualize key projects under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

This will see Ksh41.4B secured for manufacturing, Ksh55.6 billion for agriculture, and Ksh29.7 billion

Africa is a key focus of President Xi Jinping’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013 to extend China’s geopolitical and economic influence through global infrastructure development.

Kenya has been a key BRI recipient, and Nairobi has taken a slew of loans from China to finance infrastructure construction projects that have made China the East African nation’s biggest bilateral lender.

Among the projects, China is helping fund the development of a modern railway line from the port of Mombasa into the hinterland.