Kenya's President William Ruto announced that China has agreed to grant market access to Kenyan agricultural products following a meeting with President Xi Jinping.

This development was revealed as Ruto attended Beijing's ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit. 

PHOTO | COURTESY  President William Ruto and China's President Xi Jinping

Ruto shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the agreement was reached during discussions at the Great Hall of the People. However, specific details about the agricultural products involved and the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

According to UN COMTRADE data, in 2023, Kenya exported goods worth $206.63 million to China. The majority were ores, slag, and ash ($110.9 million), followed by fruits ($25.7 million), fish ($18 million), and coffee, tea, mate, and spices ($9.5 million).

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Despite this, Kenya’s avocado exports to China have significantly declined this year, dropping by 80% in volume from January to July. This reduction in avocado exports has been attributed to Kenyan exporters focusing on European and North American markets.

Additionally, Ruto discussed infrastructure projects with President Xi, including expanding the Mombasa-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba dual carriageway.

PHOTO | COURTESY President William Ruto

The SGR, a $3.6 billion project financed by China, is a crucial infrastructure project in Kenya. The Kenyan government is seeking over $5.3 billion to extend the SGR from Naivasha to Malaba, a project that has faced challenges securing funding.

The FOCAC Summit is a platform for African leaders, Chinese officials, and the African Union Commission to strengthen China-Africa relations.

During his visit to China, President Ruto aims to secure funding for critical infrastructure projects.