Tea, coffee, and avocado farmers in Kenya are set to reap higher profits following a new trade deal that will grant the country duty-free and quota-free access to the Chinese market.
Investment, Trade and Industry Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan said the government has assembled a negotiation team to fast-track the agreement, which also covers other key agricultural exports.
Speaking during the launch of Kifaru Exim SEZ Ltd at Tatu City in Ruiru, Kiambu County, and Hassan said the deal is part of a broader China-Africa Economic Partnership aimed at promoting shared development.
He added that the Ministry is also developing a policy and legal framework to strengthen chambers of commerce in Kenya and enhance private sector growth.
He urged local investors to take advantage of incentives available under the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), stressing that the government’s vision is to integrate SMEs and industries into SEZs so they can benefit from fiscal and administrative support.
Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) CEO Tobias Alando welcomed the move, saying increased private investments would strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional investment hub.
Kifaru Exim SEZ Director Kalpesh Sha announced that the new facility is expected to generate 600 direct jobs and at least 1,800 indirect jobs once fully operational.
