What You Need to Know
Kenyan businesses are urged to adopt mechanisation ahead of a zero-tariff export deal with China, effective May 1, 2026. Industry leaders warn that without modernization, local firms may struggle to compete in the Chinese market. The upcoming Africa International Expo aims to facilitate technology transfer and enhance production capabilities.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenyan businesses will have to race against time to upgrade production systems and meet global standards as a landmark zero-tariff export window to China takes effect on May 1, 2026, industry players now say.
While the policy promises unprecedented access to one of the world’s largest markets, industry leaders warn that limited mechanisation and technological gaps could undermine the country’s competitiveness.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Africa International Expo on Machinery and Industrial Equipment in Nairobi, representatives from the Kenya Investment Authority (Invest Kenya) and private sector bodies highlighted both the opportunity and the urgency facing Kenyan enterprises.
Head of emerging sectors investments at Invest Kenya, Laban Mburu, said that the government is commitment to supporting businesses through strategic partnerships and investment facilitation.
He noted that Kenya’s economic ties with China have steadily grown, with trade reaching approximately $4.7 billion (Sh800 billion) in 2024, largely driven by machinery imports and agricultural exports.
“Kenya is open for business, industrial growth, and innovation, the upcoming expo is a critical platform for technology transfer, skills development, and strengthening supply chains,” Mburu said.
He added that more than 350 Chinese companies are currently operating in Kenya, reflecting deepening bilateral engagement.
However, beneath the optimism lies a pressing concern, many Kenyan producers, particularly in agriculture and light manufacturing, remain heavily reliant on manual processes.
Experts warn that without rapid adoption of mechanisation, local firms may struggle to meet the volume, consistency, and quality demanded by the Chinese market.
Kenya-China Asia Trade and Investment Promotion chairperson Richard Ndung’u, who also represented Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), acknowledged that while Kenya’s exports such as tea, coffee, avocados and cut flowers are globally recognised, scaling production to match new demand will require significant investment in modern equipment.
“Access to the right technology and machinery will accelerate our capacity to produce, process, and compete globally,” Ndung’u said “But we must also confront the reality that many of our businesses are not yet adequately mechanised.”
The zero-tariff policy, part of broader China-Africa cooperation frameworks including the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, eliminates trade barriers for a wide range of African exports.
The expo organised by Hunan Hongxing International Exhibition Centre and partners, will bring together global industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators.
It aims to support Africa’s industrialisation by connecting infrastructure needs with cutting-edge machinery and equipment.
Hunan Hongxing International Exhibition Centre Deputy General Manager Guiping Ding, said that said that initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Africa Cooperation Frameworks have seen infrastructure and capacity cooperation continue to deepen.
“In 2024, we successfully hosted the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Kenya, facilitating efficient connections between governments and enterprises,” said Ding.
“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.”
Kenya-China Asia Trade and Investment Promotion chairperson Richard Ndung’u, praised the Expo’s role in enhancing trade linkages and addressing trade imbalances.
He noted that recent agreements, including Memoranda of Understanding signed at State House Nairobi, are paving the way for increased Kenyan exports to China, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and creative industries.
“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.
Chinese investors and manufacturers set to participate in the expo emphasised the importance of localisation and long-term engagement to address these gaps.
Representatives from major machinery firms encouraged partnerships with local businesses, including training programs and after-sales support, to ensure sustainable adoption of new technologies.
The upcoming June 17-19 expo at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is expected to bring together global manufacturers, financiers and policymakers to explore solutions.
Organisers say the event will showcase cutting-edge machinery in agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, while facilitating business-to-business matchmaking.
With the zero-tariff window opening in weeks, businesses must act quickly to upgrade production systems or risk losing out to more mechanised competitors from other African countries also benefiting from the policy.
Kenya’s economic relationship with China has been growing, with trade reaching approximately $4.7 billion in 2024, primarily driven by machinery imports and agricultural exports. The zero-tariff policy is part of broader China-Africa cooperation frameworks, which aim to eliminate trade barriers and enhance industrialisation across the continent. As Kenya prepares for this significant opportunity, the need for mechanisation in local industries becomes increasingly critical to meet the demands of the Chinese market.
