President William Ruto is set to begin his five-day State Visit to China today, becoming the first African leader to visit Beijing since US tariffs disrupted global trade. This visit, analysts say, presents Kenya with a unique opportunity to capitalise on the fallout.
The East African nation is among the 185 countries affected by the punitive trade tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration. Since 5 April 2025, a 10 per cent baseline tariff has applied to all imports into the US from these countries.
The 10 per cent levy is described as a “commencement tariff”, meaning there will be additional or elevated tariffs for countries that the United States believes have taken advantage of its economy over the years.
The new minimum tariffs affect all exports from Kenya to the US, including products under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has allowed Kenya to export over 50 per cent of its goods duty-free to the US.
This preferential trade programme is set to expire later this year.
For many years and under several US administrations, Kenya has benefited from low import duties, particularly through the AGOA framework.
Against the backdrop of shifting trade winds, President Ruto will be aiming to secure substantial economic benefits from China while navigating complex international trade dynamics, officials said.
The President’s agenda includes securing significant Chinese investment in infrastructure projects — among them the delayed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba.
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Also high on the agenda is funding for local road networks and port expansions — key components of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Kenya is in talks with China over the funding and construction of the proposed Nairobi–Mau Summit dual carriageway.
“While in Beijing, the President will hold bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping to advance shared priorities in economic transformation, sustainable development, and global cooperation,” State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said in a press release.
“He will also officiate the Kenya-China Business Forum, bringing together over 100 companies from both countries to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, digital innovation, and industrial growth.”
President Ruto will also inaugurate the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian Province. Situated in one of China’s key tea regions, the facility will enhance the visibility and market access of Kenyan tea, support smallholder farmers, and strengthen Kenya’s trade footprint in Asia.
Dr Ruto will further deliver a keynote address at Peking University, where he is expected to highlight Africa’s vision for inclusive growth, leadership, and deeper South–South cooperation.
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