NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 16 – Kenya is seeking to increase the economic benefits of its growing trade with China by encouraging greater participation of local businesses in manufacturing, distribution, exports and regional value chains.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) said stronger business links between Kenyan and Chinese companies could help local enterprises access new markets and attract investment and technology.
KNCCI National Director Ken Onditi said business platforms connecting manufacturers, exporters, distributors, investors and buyers were critical to creating sustainable economic opportunities.
“Platforms that connect manufacturers, exporters, distributors, investors and buyers are no longer optional; they are essential for sustainable economic growth,” Onditi said.
He said stronger business-to-business partnerships could help Kenyan companies access new markets while strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional trade and investment hub.
The push comes as Kenya seeks to increase exports and attract investment that supports local production, amid a trade relationship with China that has historically been dominated by imports.
Afripeak Expo Kenya General Manager Zhang Ming said international exhibitions should also focus on generating actual business opportunities, including orders, distribution agreements and long-term partnerships.
“We hope these meetings will lead to real business results not only new contacts and discussions, but also orders, distribution partnerships and long-term cooperation,” Zhang said.
He added that Chinese companies could use Kenya as a base to explore investment opportunities and better understand the needs of African consumers.
The remarks were made during the opening of the 2026 East Africa (Kenya) Fashion Life Show at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi.
The third edition of the exhibition has brought together nearly 100 Chinese companies from Hunan, Zhejiang, Shandong and Anhui, alongside about 20 Kenyan companies.
Exhibitors are showcasing textiles and apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty products, home appliances, consumer electronics, packaging and other consumer goods.
Business matchmaking sessions have also been organised around watches and clocks, home appliances and consumer electronics, connecting Chinese manufacturers with Kenyan importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers.
The exhibition is also seeking to link Kenyan fashion designers with international suppliers of fabrics, accessories and manufacturing inputs.
For Kenya, the focus is increasingly shifting from consuming imported Chinese products to ensuring local businesses capture more value by becoming suppliers, distributors, manufacturers and exporters within the expanding China-Africa trade relationship.
