Kenya is seeking to fast-track a meat export agreement with China covering beef, pork, poultry and mutton under Beijing’s new zero-tariff framework for African countries.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, May 21 — Kenya is seeking to fast-track the finalisation of a major meat export agreement with China covering beef, pork, poultry and mutton as Nairobi moves to expand access to the Chinese market under the newly implemented zero-tariff framework.

The push emerged during a meeting between officials of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nairobi.

The KNCCI delegation, led by Chamber President Erick Rutto and accompanied by Chief Executive Officer K.K. Mutai and Acting Head of Membership Services Sarah Njoroge, held discussions aimed at strengthening trade and investment cooperation between Kenya and China.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to KNCCI, Ambassador Guo accepted an invitation to participate in the Chamber@60 celebrations and pledged support in accelerating the conclusion of the meat export agreement, which is expected to open new opportunities for Kenyan livestock producers and exporters.

“The discussions also focused on enhancing collaboration in key areas, including trade promotion through expanded Kenyan exports such as coffee, tea, leather goods, avocados and macadamia to China, as well as investment facilitation by attracting Chinese investors into manufacturing, agro-processing, renewable energy, logistics and fisheries,” KNCCI said.

Both sides also discussed capacity-building initiatives targeting Kenyan SMEs, youth and county representatives, alongside policy advocacy efforts aimed at addressing market access barriers and promoting private-sector-friendly trade frameworks.

Digital transformation and the advancement of e-commerce and digital trade platforms for Kenyan exporters also featured prominently during the discussions.

The renewed push for expanded trade ties comes as China’s new zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries begins taking effect, presenting fresh opportunities for Kenyan exports in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

Speaking previously during a “Zero Tariffs, Infinite Opportunities” symposium in Nairobi, Ambassador Guo described the initiative as a milestone in strengthening China-Africa economic cooperation and boosting industrialisation, job creation and market access.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya