This archive report was first published on 6 January 2022.
On January 6, 2022, Kenya and China signed six trade agreements, marking a significant step towards strengthening their economic ties. The agreements were signed during a bilateral meeting between Kenyan Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo and Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi.
According to Ms. Omamo, the agreements will improve trade and deepen relations between the two countries. Kenya seeks to increase its agricultural exports to China, including avocados and aquatic products, to address the trade imbalance.
China has also pledged to continue donating rice to Kenya to assist in humanitarian aid. Additionally, the two countries have agreed to collaborate on Information Communication and Technology (ICT) to boost Kenya's digital economy.
Mr. Wang refuted claims that China is lending money to Africa to trap it with debts, calling it a 'narrative trap' created by those who don't want to see developments in Africa. He emphasized China's commitment to helping African countries combat poverty and underdevelopment.
China has also announced plans to donate one billion vaccines to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, with 10 million doses allocated to Kenya.
