China hails Han Zheng visit a ‘complete success’ as trade, UN ties deepen

China has hailed Vice President Han Zheng’s recent visit to Kenya as a “complete success”.

In a briefing to journalists and scholars, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said the March 22–25 visit had injected fresh momentum into China-Kenya relations.

She described the tour as a milestone in advancing economic cooperation and multilateral engagement.

The developments signalled a deepening of bilateral ties marked by expanded trade access, fresh funding and stronger coordination at the United Nations.

The visit, which was made at the invitation of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, saw Kenya become the first stop in Han’s African tour.

Beijing says the move underscores the strategic importance it attaches to Nairobi.

China confirmed the full implementation of zero-tariff treatment for exports from 53 African countries, including Kenya, beginning May 1.

The policy is expected to unlock access to the vast Chinese market for Kenyan products like avocados, avocado oil, leather, and other aquatic goods.

During the visit, VP Han and his Kenyan counterpart Kindiki flagged off the first consignment of duty-free exports.

Both sides expressed optimism that the move would help narrow the trade imbalance and boost Kenya’s export earnings.

President William Ruto, who held talks with Han, welcomed the initiative and pledged to align Kenya’s development strategy with China’s growth trajectory.

His take was that this will be achieved by expanding exports, attracting Chinese investment and deepening industrial cooperation.

“Kenya stands ready to seize the opportunity presented by the full implementation of the zero-tariff policy,” Ruto said, reiterating Nairobi’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Beijing.

The two countries also signed key cooperation documents, including an early harvest arrangement under a broader economic partnership deal.

They also signed an agreement for China to provide $2 million (about Sh260 million) in cash assistance to Kenya.

Beyond trade, Han’s itinerary highlighted China’s continued investment in infrastructure, with a visit to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Nairobi Terminus and dispatch centre.

The SGR installation is a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that has become a symbol of China’s footprint in Kenya.

At the China-Kenya Business Forum, attended by Kindiki, Han called for stronger economic cooperation in the face of shifting global dynamics.

The VP warned that rising protectionism and economic uncertainty were undermining development and free trade.

China, he said, is keen to deepen partnerships with African countries as “true friends” pursuing mutual benefit, while positioning itself as a champion of an open global economy.

However, the visit extended beyond bilateral economic ties, taking on a broader geopolitical dimension through engagements at the United Nations Office in Nairobi.

Han held talks with UN Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the Nairobi office, Zainab Hawa Bangura, alongside other senior UN officials.

In the talks, Han reaffirmed China’s support for the UN system and multilateral cooperation.

As per the brief, the VP also underscored the place of China as a contributor to global development and defender of the international order.

During the meeting, Han also promoted China’s Global Governance Initiative, which he said has received backing from more than 150 countries.

The GCI is aimed at strengthening multilateralism and amplifying the voice of the Global South in global affairs.

As per Guo’s brief, Bangura and UN officials welcomed China’s continued support, noting that Beijing plays a critical role in advancing peace, sustainable development and cooperation across Africa.

They expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with China in areas such as South-South cooperation, global security and development financing.

The UN engagement underscores Nairobi’s growing stature as a diplomatic hub, where global powers are increasingly advancing both bilateral and multilateral agendas.

Politically, the visit also reaffirmed long-standing positions between the two countries.

Kenya reiterated its adherence to the One-China policy, a stance China considers central to its core interest.

For its part, Beijing pledged continued support for Kenya’s sovereignty, security and development priorities.

Han further called for closer coordination between China, Kenya and other developing nations in promoting a more just and equitable international order.

With preferential trade access set to take effect and new agreements signed, attention is now turning to implementation.

The question abounding is whether Kenya can scale up production and meet export standards to fully benefit from the Chinese market.

For China, the visit cements Kenya’s position as a key partner in East Africa, not just economically, but also as a strategic ally in advancing its vision for global governance and South-South cooperation.