Kenya has struck a Sh126 billion investment deal with China, unlocking a cascade of funding across manufacturing, agriculture and tourism — all under the banner of President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The lion’s share of the funds — Sh55.6 billion — has been channelled into agriculture, followed by Sh41.4 billion for manufacturing and Sh29.7 billion for tourism infrastructure.
The agreement was formalised during President Ruto’s official visit to China, his third since taking office in 2022.
"At the Kenya-China Investor Roundtable in Beijing, I witnessed the signing of seven deals by Chinese companies that intend to invest in Kenya with a new project," Ruto stated.
Ruto noted China's private sector's long-standing role in Kenya's economic growth.
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"China's private sector has been instrumental in driving Kenya's economic growth over the years through their investments in various sectors of our economy," Ruto stated.
"We endeavour to encourage even greater participation of China's private sector into our journey of economic transformation, which in turn, will create thousands of jobs for our youth."
In the industrial docket, four Chinese firms are set to expand or break ground in Kenya.
China Wu Yi secured Sh19.4 billion, Rongtai Steel Co. Limited was allocated Sh12.9 billion, while Sh2.5 billion went to Chongqing Shangcheng Apparel Group Co., Ltd in partnership with Pengfeng Investment Ltd.
The final piece, Sh6.4 billion, was committed to Kenya Smart Transportation Industry Park — a first-time investment by Anhui Jiubao Electronic Technology Co. Ltd.
The agricultural allocation has brought in both seasoned and new investors. Shandong Jialejia Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd, a newcomer, will establish a poultry project in Kajiado on 100 acres with 500,000 hens and the potential to create 500 jobs.
Another Sh51.8 billion has been awarded to Zonken Group — which comprises Biotech Corporation Ltd and Zonken Environmental Technology Ltd. Their plan includes 300 acres for aloe vera cultivation in Baringo, plus an additional 72 acres for apple and grape farming in the same county.
Tourism has not been left behind. Hunan Conference Exhibition Group, along with Huatian Hotel Management Co., has received Sh29.7 billion to invest in hospitality ventures within Kenya.
The group, although new to the Kenyan landscape, operates an extensive network of hotels across Europe and Southeast Asia.
President Ruto’s trip also includes high-level engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Their discussions are expected to cover regional security, infrastructure investment, and South-South cooperation — further deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Past Chinese financing has already left a visible footprint in Kenya’s development, funding iconic infrastructure such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the Nairobi Expressway, Lamu Port, and the Kipevu Oil Terminal.
President Ruto previously visited China in October 2023 for the Third Belt and Road Forum, and again in September 2024 during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The latest agreement reinforces the trajectory of Kenya-China ties, now firmly anchored in economic transformation.
