Ruto’s Beijing visit opens door to Sh107 billion in Chinese investments

Kenya has secured major investment pledges worth Sh107 billion from Chinese companies as President William Ruto began his official visit to Beijing, strengthening economic ties and opening new opportunities for local industries.

The investment deals, spread across manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and technology, are expected to create thousands of jobs and boost Kenya’s economic growth.

The agreements were signed during the Kenya-China business forum jointly organised by the Ministry of Trade, the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), and Chinese authorities.

The forum brought together business leaders and government officials from both countries to explore partnerships that can support Kenya’s development agenda.

One of the biggest investments will be made by China Wuyi, which plans to develop a special economic zone (SEZ) on a 191-acre parcel of land in Kikambala, Kilifi.

With Sh19.5 billion allocated to the project, the firm is taking advantage of Kenya’s SEZ incentives, and the initiative is set to generate over 5,000 jobs.

Penfeng Investment Limited and Shangcheng Apparel Group will spend Sh2.6 billion to build textile, garment, and solar power factories in Kajiado.

This investment is aimed at improving Kenya’s industrial capacity while providing job opportunities and infrastructure in the county.

Rongtai Steel Limited is preparing to inject another Sh19.5 billion to set up a steel manufacturing plant in Lukenya.

The facility will meet the increasing demand for building materials, particularly under Kenya’s affordable housing initiative, and is expected to employ 700 people.

In the agricultural sector, Shandong Jialejia Agriculture will establish a 500,000-hen egg production farm in Kajiado.

The company is investing Sh3.9 billion in the project, which will benefit from the government’s zero-rated policy on hatchery egg imports.

Biotech firm Zonken Group announced two major projects: a Sh41.6 billion aloe vera processing plant on 300 acres in Baringo, and a Sh10.4 billion vineyard on 72 acres to support grape farming and exports.

These ventures are expected to improve value addition in agriculture and open new export markets.

Tourism will also benefit from fresh capital injection.

Huatian Hotel Group has committed Sh39 billion to acquiring and leasing hotels in Nairobi, citing increased tourist numbers after the introduction of Kenya’s visa-free entry policy.

In Murang’a, Kenya Smart Transportation Industry Park and Anhui Jiubao Electronic Technology are investing Sh6.5 billion to set up a factory that will produce smart traffic systems and electronic equipment.

This project will employ over 5,000 people and is part of Kenya’s broader plan to modernise transport infrastructure and meet regional demand.

The President also witnessed KenInvest signing partnership agreements with three Chinese organisations.

These include the China-Africa Development Fund, which has already invested $10 billion (Sh1.2 trillion) in Africa; the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce, aimed at enhancing e-commerce cooperation; and Duofu International Holdings Group, which will work to attract more Chinese firms to invest in Kenya.

During his remarks at the forum, Ruto highlighted Kenya’s commitment to making it easier for foreign investors to do business.

He outlined incentives such as a 10-year tax holiday, freedom to repatriate profits, protection under Kenyan law, and a stable regulatory framework.

"Kenya is open for business," he said, adding that more than 500 Chinese companies already have operations in the country.

Ruto also used the occasion to invite investors to the 2026 Investor Conference in Nairobi, where the government will showcase its investment plans.

He said the country’s young, tech-savvy population and its location as a gateway to the East African market make it an attractive destination.

"You have every reason to invest here," the President stated, describing the signed agreements as a major achievement for Kenya’s economic development.

He stressed that the new investments support Kenya’s goal of becoming East Africa’s leading centre for investment and trade.

"This underscores the country’s push to position itself as East Africa’s premier investment and logistical hub," he said.

President Ruto arrived in China on Tuesday for a four-day state visit, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He is accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Cabinet Secretaries Lee Kinyanjui (Trade), Davis Chirchir (Roads), and William Kabogo (ICT), as well as several Principal Secretaries.