Government courts Chinese investors to boost food security, agri-tech
Anita Omwenga, KNA
The Government is strengthening agricultural ties with China through a strategic investment partnership.
Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Agriculture, Dr. Kiprono Rono, said the partnership promises not only to boost Kenya’s food production and export potential, but also to offer Chinese investors access to a vibrant and growing agricultural market in East Africa.
“This investment opportunity with Chinese partners, emphasizes Kenya’s strategic position as a gateway to the East African Community (EAC) and the continent's growing demand for food security and agricultural modernization,” the PS reiterated.
He proposed the establishment of an agricultural machinery assembly point in Kenya to leverage the country's location as a logistical hub for the region.
Dr. Rono said the engagement highlighted Kenya's vision to modernize agriculture and enhance food security through technology and innovation, as both countries move towards deepening bilateral ties in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
The PS encouraged Chinese investors to tap into areas such as the production of bio-organic fertilizers, value addition factories, and technology partnerships to digitize agriculture.
“We extend an invitation to Chinese companies to explore joint ventures in sectors such as tea and coffee and invest in their packaging materials,” Dr. Rono added.
The PS further said the government is also promoting direct Chinese investment in pig production, an area where China has vast expertise. He revealed that Kenya imports pig meat from Brazil to meet domestic demand.
He encouraged the investment team to take advantage of existing tax incentives within the EAC Common External Tariff, as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area on investment within the agriculture sector.
The PS invited Chinese stakeholders to a major agricultural investment conference scheduled for October 2025, a landmark platform to strengthen partnerships and drive agritech transformation, while encouraging their support and participation given China's technological advancements.
Deputy Director, State Department for Livestock Development, Dr. Dennis Onkundi, emphasized Kenya’s openness to Chinese investment in both the dairy and beef value chains.
“In the dairy sector, opportunities lie in technology transfer, development of disease diagnostics, and residue testing, all of which could improve production and food safety standards,” he said.
Dr. Onkundi revealed that for the beef value chain, Kenya, a key exporter of beef, mutton, and chevon to the Middle East, is seeking Chinese investment in large-scale production through the land commercialization initiative.