Nairobi — Kenya is seeking to deepen trade and investment ties with China as it prepares to host an industrial exhibition in June 2026, even as data shows Beijing remains a key source of capital and imports into the country.
The government, through Kenya Investment Authority (Invest Kenya), said the expo set for June 17-19, 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre will be used to attract investors and expand industrial partnerships.
China is currently Kenya's second-largest source of foreign direct investment, with inflows estimated at about $243 million as of 2024.
More than 350 Chinese firms operate locally across sectors such as machinery, electronics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and infrastructure.
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Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at approximately $4.7 billion in 2024, largely driven by machinery and electronics imports, alongside agricultural exports from Kenya.
Head of Emerging Sectors Investments at Invest Kenya, Laban Mburu, said the government will back the event as part of efforts to broaden the country's industrial base.
"The Government of Kenya is fully committed to working with partners to deliver a successful Expo. This platform demonstrates our readiness to facilitate investment, strengthen partnerships, and unlock Kenya's vast potential beyond traditional sectors such as construction and mining," said Mburu.
The expo will focus on construction machinery, mining, agriculture and industrial equipment, sectors that are central to Kenya's manufacturing ambitions under Vision 2030.
Organisers say the event will bring together global firms, policymakers and financiers to support technology transfer, supply chain development and business partnerships. It will also position Kenya as a regional hub for industrial exhibitions and trade.
Chinese manufacturers including SANY, XCMG, Zoomlion and LiuGong are among firms planning to expand their presence in Kenya through distribution, financing and after-sales partnerships.
Kenya-China Asia Trade and Investment Promotion chairperson Richard Ndung'u said the event could help address persistent trade imbalances by boosting Kenyan exports.
"The Expo provides a two-way platform for trade and investment. It is an opportunity not only to import technology but also to expand Kenyan exports and strengthen our global competitiveness," he said.
The exhibition is being organised by Hunan Hongxing International Exhibition Centre and partners, building on previous China-Africa trade events held in Kenya.
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Deputy General Manager Guiping Ding said recent engagements have strengthened commercial linkages between African and Chinese firms.
"In 2024, we successfully hosted the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Kenya, facilitating efficient connections between governments and enterprises. In 2025, we also organised the African International Agricultural Expo in Kenya, achieving positive results in agricultural technology, mechanisation and industrial chain upgrading. Currently, Africa is at a critical stage of accelerating industrialisation and infrastructure development," said Ding.
Kenya's push comes as it seeks to leverage frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to drive infrastructure investment and industrial growth.
The government expects the June 2026 expo to attract international buyers, financial institutions and business associations, with a focus on deal-making and long-term investment partnerships.
