Boost for Kenya-China trade ties

NAIROBI, KENYA: Trade ties between Kenya and China are set to improve after an association aimed at boosting business relations was launched in Nanyuki town.

The China-Africa Friendship Association-Kenya Chapter (Cafa-Kenya) was unveiled Monday at Mt Kenya Safari Club in Nanyuki.

Speaking during the event, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa said the organisation will help improve trade relations between the two countries.

Xianfa said his country was committed to initiating and maintaining good relations with Kenya, saying Cafa-Kenya would help enhance a fair trade between investors in the two countries.

Ngari Gituku, vice-chairman of the Kenya Chapter, said the association was a bridge that would help the two countries enjoy goodwill in trade and inter-country relations.

Mr Gituku and senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Beatrice Elachi (Nominated) called for a probe into rogue businessmen who import sub-standard goods from China, creating the impression that Chinese products are of low quality.

“The country (China) has high quality products and it is high time we cushioned ourselves against these rogues,” said Ms Elachi.

The senator, who is also Cafa-Kenya Secretary, further noted that the traders also sold the cheap products at exorbitant prices while paying less in import duty.

“It is high time the Government took serious and punitive action against these traders to secure trust and save Kenyans from exploitation,” she said.

She said the association will also negotiate for exchange programmes between both countries, in which journalists, artists, and players in culture and education can share knowledge.