Kenya's President evaluates possibility of joining BRICS cooperation mechanism

Kenya is interested in joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism and looks forward to deepening partnership with China in green energy and industrial development. He emphasised that multilateral cooperation would open new export markets for Kenyan goods and foster technological sharing for mutual growth.The country's President William Ruto said this in an interview with  People's Daily Online, a partner of TV BRICS.

Ruto said the country is keen to utilise Chinese technology and financial support to develop local manufacturing, including in electric vehicles. He said Kenya is open to multilateral cooperation and is interested in expanding export opportunities.

Trade between China and Kenya surged by 11.9 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, reaching a historic high of 16.13 billion yuan (US$2.2 billion). This marks the sixth straight quarter of growth, with Chinese exports rising by 11.8 per cent and imports from Kenya climbing by 13.2 per cent.

At the same time, China increased supplies to Kenya of goods that contribute to the development of industry and improvement of the quality of life. Exports of intermediate goods increased by 11.4 per cent, consumer goods by 10.1 per cent, capital goods by 10.4 per cent. There was an increase in supplies of engineering equipment: exports of bulldozers increased by 112.4 per cent, excavators by 190.6 per cent, mobile cranes by 7.1 times.

Kenya remains China’s top trade partner in East Africa, while China is Kenya’s largest import source.

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