Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has dismissed reports of a strained trade relationship between Kenya and China, calling the claims “completely unfounded.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Sing’Oei said Kenyan and Chinese teams concluded negotiations on December 19, 2025, for an Early Harvest Arrangement under the broader Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development.
He described the framework as an interim measure to facilitate preferential trade while a full economic partnership agreement is negotiated.
“The arrangement allows both sides to specify tariff schedules and the applicable rules of origin, ensuring clarity on products eligible for preferential treatment,” Sing’Oei said.
Adding that, “There is no tension between this market access deal and our ongoing efforts to push for AGOA re-authorisation or a separate Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States.”
The Standard had reported that Kenya was delaying the China trade deal due to pressure from the United States. The report suggested that the pact required approval from the cabinet, parliament, and President William Ruto before implementation.
The report cited concerns over AGOA, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which expired on September 30, 2025. Since the lapse, Kenya’s apparel exports to the US, valued at more than Ksh77 billion ($600 million) annually, have faced tariffs of up to 28 per cent, affecting manufacturers and workers.
The Kenya Association of Manufacturers warned that continued uncertainty could threaten over 66,000 jobs, particularly in textiles and agriculture, raising concerns about livelihoods and economic stability.
Kenya had considered the prospective China deal as a safeguard, with reports indicating Beijing would remove tariffs on tea, coffee, and avocado exports. Such an arrangement would provide an alternative market for key farm exports and reduce reliance on US markets during AGOA negotiations.
Sing’Oei emphasised that Kenya’s simultaneous pursuit of market access with China and trade agreements with the US demonstrates a balanced approach to securing national economic interests rather than a sign of diplomatic friction.
Meanwhile, the developments come after the United States House of Representatives voted to extend the AGOA pact until 2028. The House approved the extension on Monday, January 12, after 340 House representatives voted in favour of the extension, against 54 who voted against.
The bill, which now proceeds to the Senate before being signed into law, seeks to extend the act that aims to provide duty-free access to the U.S. market for eligible African countries and products.
