- KNCCI President Eric Rutto said the opening of the office underscores their commitment to foster strong trade and investment ties with China.
- Some of the top provinces in China where Kenyan goods are traded are Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shanghai municipality and Shandong.
Image: FILE
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced the operationalization of its first office in China as part of its strategies to penetrate the Asian market.
The office located in Changsha will serve as a major hub in promoting trade and investment between the two countries and increase the visibility of Kenyan products.
Speaking during a flag-off breakfast ceremony in Nairobi, KNCCI CEO Patrick Nyangweso further highlighted its significance in promoting collaboration and facilitating business partnerships with other Chinese business firms.
“The office will play a pivotal role in displaying Kenyan products and services in the vibrant Chinese market,” he said.
KNCCI President Eric Rutto said the opening of the office marks a significant milestone in their history.
This, he noted, underscores their commitment to fostering stronger trade and investment ties between Kenya and China.
“We are confident that our presence in China will open up new opportunities for Kenyan businesses and entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth of our nation's economy,” he stated.
Rutto further stated that they intend to open more offices even as he committed to having Kenyan exporters sensitised to gain more insights.
Fredrick Mukilya, KNCCI's chief representative for the China branch said the office will play a critical role in attracting more investments.
“The setting up of the office will give businesses confidence to work with China,” he stated.
China has become Africa’s largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years with total goods traded in 2022 alone increasing by 10 per cent to $282 (Sh39.4 trillion).
Africa’s major exports to China are mineral products, base metals, jewelry, precious metals and its products, plant products, food, beverages, wine and vinegar, tobacco and textile raw materials.
On the other hand, imports from the country are industrial chemical products, mechanical and electoral products, plastics and rubber, wood pulp, which include waste paper and card board, live animals, leather fur, bags and animal vegetable oils.
Kenya was in 2022 ranked the fourth in Africa as the leading importer of goods from China after South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt.
Some five provinces in China are leading market destinations for Kenyan products.
China is among Kenya’s top export markets accounting for 18 per cent market share followed by UAE (16 per cent), India (10 per cent) and Saudi Arabia (5 per cent).
Other countries account for 31 per cent of Kenya's foreign markets.
Some of the top provinces in China where Kenyan goods are traded are Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shanghai municipality and Shandong.
Guangdong, which is the destination for coffee, tea, flowers and fruits tops the list with both exports and imports accounting for $1.7 billion (Sh238 billion).
Kenya imports electronics, machinery and textiles from the province.
In 2021, China extended a zero tariff treatment to 98 per cent tax items for products to China which promote exports.
Laskia Ventures Ltd CEO Caroline Gathoni who was present during the event encouraged business traders to take advantage of the office.