China Imports Surge 34.7 Percent as Kenya's Mega Projects Advance

Kenya’s imports from China rose by 34.7 percent in the first five months of 2026. The increase coincided with the rollout and preparation of major infrastructure projects under the current administration.

China’s exports to Kenya climbed to Sh336.2 billion between January and May, up from Sh249.5 billion in the same period of 2025. China’s share of Kenya’s total import market reached a record 25.3 percent.

The share has risen steadily from 16.6 percent in the corresponding period of 2023 to 19.1 percent in 2024 and 22.5 percent last year. The latest growth outpaced the overall import bill, which increased by 19.8 percent to Sh1.33 trillion.

China accounted for Sh86.6 billion of the Sh220.3 billion rise in total imports, nearly two-fifths of the additional spending.

The acceleration comes as Chinese contractors mobilise for road, railway and stadium projects. Demand has increased for machinery, steel, construction materials and other industrial inputs.

Kenya’s import basket from China has featured flat-rolled iron and non-alloy steel, other steel products, electronics, telecommunications equipment and crushing and grinding machinery.

Among the projects linked to the surge is the Sh96 billion first phase of the Rironi-Mau Summit road, awarded to China Road and Bridge Corporation in partnership with the National Social Security Fund. The contract was awarded in November 2025.

Another major scheme is the 475-kilometre standard gauge railway extension from Naivasha to Malaba, awarded to China Communications Construction Company and China Road and Bridge Corporation. Groundbreaking took place in March, with pre-construction mobilisation scheduled between April and June.

Chinese contractors are also advancing the Sh45 billion, 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium, scheduled for completion in early 2027.

These projects build on an established Chinese presence in Kenya’s roads, railways and construction sectors. Last year imports from China rose 16.5 percent to Sh671.2 billion, driven in part by industrial and construction-related goods.

The latest figures indicate that the momentum has strengthened, with Chinese shipments growing more than twice as fast as in the comparable period of 2025.