Experts warn that without this, local firms may struggle to meet volumes needed Kenyan businesses will have to race against time to upgrade production systems and meet global standards as a landmark zero-tariff export window to China takes effect on May 1, 2026, industry players now say.
While the policy promises unprecedented access to one of the world’s largest markets, industry leaders warn that limited mechanisation and technological gaps could undermine the country’s competitiveness. Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Africa International Expo on Machinery and Industrial Equipment in Nairobi, representatives from the Kenya Investment Authority (Invest Kenya) and private sector bodies highlighted both the opportunity and the urgency facing Kenyan enterprises.
Head of emerging sectors investments at Invest Kenya, Laban Mburu, said that the government is commitment to supporting businesses through strategic partnerships and investment facilitation. He noted that Kenya’s economic ties with China have steadily grown, with trade reaching approximately $4.7 billion (Sh800 billion) in 2024, largely driven by machinery imports and agricultural exports.
“Kenya is open for business, industrial growth, and innovation, the upcoming expo is a critical platform for technology transfer, skills development, and strengthening supply chains,” Mburu said. He added that more than 350 Chinese companies are currently operating in Kenya, reflecting deepening bilateral engagement.
However, beneath the optimism lies a pressing concern, many Kenyan producers, particularly in agriculture and light manufacturing, remain heavily reliant on manual processes. Experts warn that without rapid adoption of mechanisation, local firms may struggle to meet the volume, consistency, and quality demanded by the Chinese market.
Kenya-China Asia Trade and Investment Promotion chairperson Richard Ndung’u, who also represented Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), acknowledged that while Kenya’s exports such as tea, coffee, avocados and cut flowers are globally recognised, scaling production to match new demand will require significant investment in modern equipment.
“Access to the right technology and machinery will accelerate our capacity to produce, process, and compete globally,” Ndung’u said “But we must also confront the reality that many of our businesses are not yet adequately mechanised.”