Kenya: Kenya's agricultural exports to China will begin entering the market duty-free starting May 1, 2026, boosting profits for Kenyan farmers and agribusinesses.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, announced the move after a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Guo Haiyan. This development is a result of trade agreements secured during President Ruto's state visit to China.

"The removal of tariffs means products such as tea, coffee, avocado, macadamia nuts, flowers, and fresh horticultural produce will now enter the Chinese market of over 1.4 billion consumers at zero duty, significantly improving Kenya's competitiveness," stated Kagwe.

Further, the CS urged Kenyan exporters and investors to take advantage of the opportunity by increasing production and prioritizing value-added agricultural products instead of raw exports. He also called for partnerships between Kenyan and Chinese companies to establish agro-processing industries locally, strengthen agricultural value chains, and create jobs.

The CS further emphasized strict quality control, directing the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service to ensure all exports meet international and Chinese phytosanitary standards.

On her part, Ambassador Guo said agricultural trade between the two countries continues to grow, noting that Kenya exported coffee and tea worth USD 24.46 million to China in 2025, while avocados and macadamia exports reached USD 19.9 million.