Feature: Chinese business executives confident about Kenyan market

Kenya's iconic landscape, moderate weather and friendly people has resonated with Xian Ding, the manager of China's Yangzhou Bright Solar Solutions Company Limited, who has contemplated a lengthy vacation in the country.

Xian and a growing army of Chinese business executives are well versed with the Kenyan terrain and are unbowed in their quest to expand their footprint in the east Africa's largest economy.

Her company is a leading supplier of solar lighting equipment in Kenya and the larger east African region.

Speaking on the sidelines of China Trade Week that kicked off in Nairobi on Wednesday, Xian told Xinhua that her company will be a major player in Kenya's green energy revolution.

"Kenya as a whole is gradually transiting to clean and affordable forms of energy and we are providing technologies that will make this dream a reality. Demand for solar products in Kenya is growing," Xian said.

Yangzhou Bright Solar Solutions is among an estimate 150 Chinese firms that are participating in the three days expo to showcase their products to Kenyans.

Xian revealed to Xinhua that Kenyans were impressed by solar lighting solutions at her company's booth.

"There is a huge demand for our solar products from ordinary citizens, state agencies and medium sized businesses. Kenyans are looking for products that are authentic, affordable and long- lasting," said Xian.

She revealed that Yangzhou Bright Solar Solutions has installed solar street lighting in Kenya's Homabay and Mandera counties.

"Government agencies have procured solar lighting equipment from us and the demand among households is relatively high. Kenya is an ideal investment destination for green technologies," Xian said.

The Chinese firms which participated in the Nairobi expo are drawn from diverse sectors including energy, manufacturing and construction.

Kenyan officials said the Expo will elevate Sino-Kenya bilateral trade a notch higher.

"China has remained our steadfast trading partner and the expo will enable Kenyans to negotiate for bulk orders without travelling to the Asian giant," remarked an official at Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) Pius Rotich.

Kenya has become a favorite destination for Chinese investors thanks to macro-economic stability, good weather, modern transport network and abundance of skilled labor.

The Chairperson of Hubei Jingjia Auto parts company limited, Zhang Jing noted that demand for motor vehicle parts in Kenya has spiked in the last decade.

"Kenyans are now familiar with Chinese made vehicles and have been enticed by their quality and adaptability to the local terrain. We are supplying spares parts for trucks, cars and tractors to big institutions," Zhang told Xinhua.

She said entrance of Chinese made vehicles in the Kenyan market has encouraged healthy competition.

Hubei Jingjia Auto Parts Company Limited has operated in Kenya for the last 18 years and is credited for introducing durable trucks, tractors and small cars on the roads.

Zhang said market for auto parts in Kenya remain vibrant as a burgeoning middle class buy more cars.

"We are responding to a need that is occasioned by rising incomes and the desire to try new and improved vehicles among Kenyans. This market is on a rapid take off and investors should seize this opportunity," Zhang said.

Chinese business executives have pitched tent in Kenya to negotiate for multi billion investment deals in strategic sectors like mining, construction and real estate.

The General Manager for Kenya and Ethiopia, Jereh Group of Companies, Jarvis Liu told Xinhua the nascent oil and gas sector in the eastern Africa region has opened new opportunities for his company.

"We are supplying drilling equipment to state corporations involved in exploration of new oil and gas fields. Recently, we commenced negotiation with Kenya's Geothermal Development Corporation to supply equipment," Jarvis told Xinhua.

Chinese firms dealing with motor vehicle parts, drilling equipment, construction materials, solar lighting and beauty products were an instant hit among Kenyan who visited the Nairobi expo.

Henry Mokua, a building contractor, told Xinhua the construction materials exhibited by Chinese firms were of high quality.

"I came here to look for tiles that are stylish and durable. My efforts were not in vain since I stumbled upon a Chinese company selling them at a reasonable price. Soon, I will make orders for the tiles to be shipped," said Mokua.

Image conscious Kenyans trooped at the booth erected by China's Yeru trading company that deals with accessories for massage and slimming.

Faith Okeyo, a sales lady at Yeru Trading Company said the sales were brisk as Kenyans` appetite for wellness move a notch higher.

"We have been in the Kenyan market for the last two years and the response from the public is profound. Kenyans have appreciated the benefits of massage," said Okeyo. Endi