By Senior Editor, China Africa News
NAIROBI, 30 January 2026 — Kenya has moved to intensify efforts to attract more foreign direct investment from China as part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen its economic partnership with Beijing and accelerate the country’s development. Government officials in the Kenyan capital said increased Chinese investment would be key to enhancing technological capabilities and expanding employment opportunities across the economy.
John Mwendwa, chief executive of the Kenya Investment Authority, told Xinhua News Agency that Kenyan authorities are seeing heightened interest from Chinese investors who view the East African nation as a strategic gateway to regional, continental and global markets. He said this momentum builds on the groundwork laid during President William Ruto’s 2025 state visit to China, when a number of bilateral investment deals were signed that created new avenues for private capital flows.
Officials emphasised that the focus is on drawing investment into sectors that not only bring in capital but also spur local industrialisation and reduce reliance on imports. Targeted areas include agro-processing, light manufacturing, apparel and leather production industries where authorities believe Chinese partners can bring both capital and technology, scaling up production and creating jobs.
Kenya already hosts around 400 Chinese companies, and government projections suggest this figure could climb significantly in the coming years as confidence grows in the country’s business environment. This push dovetails with broader efforts to strengthen bilateral economic ties that support Kenya’s long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth.
