Kenya Secures Sh107 Billion in Chinese Investments During Ruto’s Beijing Visit

Kenya has secured a substantial influx of Sh107 billion in investment commitments from Chinese companies during President William Ruto's state visit to Beijing.

This marks a significant stride in the country's economic development. The agreements, spanning key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and technology, align with the government's goals to boost youth employment and strengthen Kenya's position as a leading investment hub in East Africa. The investment deals were formalised at the Kenya-China Business Forum, co-hosted by Kenya's Ministry of Trade, the KenInvest Authority, and the Chinese government. 

President Ruto's visit, which began on Wednesday, also included the signing of partnerships aimed at enhancing e-commerce, logistics, and financial frameworks. Speaking at the forum, Ruto emphasised Kenya’s readiness to attract foreign investment, highlighting favourable policies such as a decade-long tax holiday for Special Economic Zones (SEZs), streamlined profit repatriation, robust legal protections, and a stable regulatory environment.

One of the most significant commitments was a Sh19.5 billion investment by China Wuyi to establish a Special Economic Zone in Kikambala, Kilifi. The proposed SEZ, covering 191 acres, is expected to create over 5,000 jobs, boosting manufacturing and trade opportunities in the region. The firm is capitalising on incentives available to public and private SEZS under Kenya's current policy framework.

Rongtai Steel Limited has also pledged Sh19.5 billion for a steel production factory in Lukenya. This venture is particularly crucial as it aims to meet the growing demand driven by the affordable housing program, a key priority for Ruto’s administration. The factory is projected to generate 700 new jobs, further strengthening Kenya’s industrial base.

In the agricultural sector, Shandong Jialejia Agriculture has committed Sh3.9 billion to establish a 500,000-hen egg farm in Kajiado. This investment aligns with Kenya’s zero-rated import policy for hatchery eggs. Zonken Group, a biotech entity, has announced plans to invest Sh41.6 billion in a 300-acre aloe vera processing plant in Baringo, along with Sh10.4 billion for a 72-acre vineyard to boost grape exports. These projects are expected to diversify Kenya’s agricultural exports and invigorate rural economies through job creation and infrastructure development.

The tourism sector has received a substantial boost as well, with Huatian Hotel Group committing Sh39 billion to acquire and lease hotels in Nairobi. This investment is strategically timed to accommodate the surge in visitor numbers following Kenya’s recently introduced visa-free entry policy. As tourism continues to thrive, the sector’s expansion is expected to significantly contribute to the country's GDP.

Kenya’s push for technological modernisation was underscored by investments in transport technology. Kenya Smart Transportation Industry Park and Anhui Jiubao Electronic Technology have pledged Sh6.5 billion to construct a Murang’a factory for the production of traffic lights and smart infrastructure equipment. This initiative complements Kenya's vision to modernise its infrastructure while addressing regional demand for advanced technological solutions. The factory is projected to create over 5,000 jobs, demonstrating the critical role of technology in driving employment and innovation.

President Ruto also witnessed the signing of partnerships between KenInvest and three major Chinese entities—the China-Africa Development Fund, Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce, and Duofu International Holdings Group. These collaborations are aimed at attracting more Chinese investors to Kenya while strengthening bilateral trade ties and e-commerce infrastructure. Ruto’s remarks during the forum underscored Kenya's ambitions to leverage its strategic location and tech-savvy workforce to position itself as East Africa’s premier investment hub. 

“Kenya is open for business,” he declared, inviting investors to participate in Nairobi’s 2026 Investor Conference. With over 500 Chinese firms already operating in Kenya, the President expresses optimism that the latest agreements will set the stage for transformative economic growth.

Later in his visit, Ruto delivered a keynote speech at Peking University, where he outlined his vision for reforming global institutions and trade systems. He began by praising Peking University for its role in fostering educational ties between China and Africa, noting that the institution has educated more than 4,000 African students since 1956.