Ruto Secures KSh107B Chinese Investment to Boost Jobs, Economy
President William Ruto has inked investment deals worth a staggering KSh107 billion during his ongoing state visit to China, marking a major stride toward Kenya’s economic transformation and youth empowerment.
The landmark agreements, signed at the Kenya-China Business Forum in Beijing, were facilitated through a collaboration between the Ministry of Trade, KenInvest Authority, and the Chinese government. The deals span key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and technology—sectors vital to accelerating economic growth and reducing unemployment.
Among the biggest contributors is China Wuyi, which committed KSh19.5 billion to establish a 191-acre Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kikambala, Kilifi County. The project is expected to create over 5,000 jobs and leverage government incentives targeting SEZs.
In Kajiado, Penfeng Investment Limited and Shangcheng Apparel Group pledged KSh2.6 billion for warehouses supporting textile, garment, and solar power production, while Rongtai Steel Limited will inject KSh19.5 billion into a steel factory in Lukenya, creating 700 new jobs and boosting the affordable housing initiative.
Agriculture is also receiving a lift, with Shandong Jialejia Agriculture investing KSh3.9 billion in a 500,000-hen egg farm, capitalising on Kenya’s zero-rated import policy for hatchery eggs.
In Baringo, biotech firm Zonken Group announced a KSh41.6 billion aloe vera processing plant and a KSh10.4 billion vineyard to expand Kenya’s grape export market.
Tourism will see an additional KSh39 billion investment from Huatian Hotel Group, which plans to acquire and lease hotels in Nairobi, in response to the country’s visa-free travel policy.
Murang’a is set to become a tech hub, with Kenya Smart Transportation Industry Park and Anhui Jiubao Electronic Technology committing KSh6.5 billion to a smart factory producing traffic lights and digital infrastructure components—expected to employ over 5,000 people.
President Ruto also witnessed KenInvest formalising partnerships with three major Chinese institutions: the China-Africa Development Fund, Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce, and Duofu International Holdings Group.
“Kenya is open for business,” Ruto said, noting that more than 500 Chinese firms already operate locally. He highlighted Kenya’s investor-friendly policies including a 10-year tax holiday, streamlined profit repatriation, and robust legal protections.
He invited investors to the upcoming 2026 Nairobi Investor Conference, stressing Kenya’s strategic position as East Africa’s gateway and the government’s commitment to fostering a dynamic, tech-savvy economy.
Ruto’s four-day state visit, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, is accompanied by key officials including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretaries for Trade, Roads, and ICT.
