National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for stronger economic cooperation between Kenya and China, urging both countries to expand trade, investment, technology transfer and local manufacturing to create jobs and improve livelihoods.
Speaking at the 2026 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges in China, Wetang’ula said Kenya should build on its longstanding relationship with the Asian economic powerhouse to strengthen local industries, expand market access for Kenyan products and unlock new economic opportunities.
He cited major infrastructure projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Nairobi Expressway and Lamu Port, as examples of the benefits of Kenya-China cooperation, noting that future partnerships should deliver tangible economic benefits to ordinary citizens.
“We must also address the trade imbalance,” Wetang’ula said, highlighting the disparity between Kenya’s imports from China and its exports to the country.
According to figures shared by the Speaker, Kenya imported goods worth approximately US$5.19 billion from China in 2025, while its exports to the Chinese market stood at only US$130.8 million.
The figures underscore the challenge facing Kenya as it seeks to strengthen its position in international trade while expanding opportunities for locally manufactured goods and value-added agricultural products.
Wetang’ula called for measures to boost domestic manufacturing, process agricultural produce locally and improve access for Kenyan products in the Chinese market.
He also identified technology, agriculture, clean energy and skills development as key areas where the two countries could deepen cooperation, particularly in creating opportunities for young people.
The Speaker noted that Kenya-China collaboration had already supported technical and vocational education, with 144 technical and vocational training institutions receiving modern equipment and 314 trainers undergoing training through the partnership.
He said continued investment in technical skills and technology transfer could help prepare Kenyan workers for emerging industries while strengthening the country’s industrial capacity.
Wetang’ula also emphasised the role of parliamentarians in promoting policies and partnerships that translate diplomatic relations into practical economic gains for citizens.
“As Parliamentarians, our role is to promote policies and partnerships that deliver real benefits to our people,” he said.
His remarks come amid Kenya’s efforts to expand export markets, attract investment and strengthen local production as it pursues a more balanced trading relationship with China.
The challenge, however, remains translating the longstanding diplomatic and infrastructure partnership into increased exports, stronger domestic industries and employment opportunities for Kenyans.
Wetang’ula said the broader objective was to ensure that cooperation between the two countries supports inclusive economic growth and long-term prosperity.