Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio arrived in Kenya on Saturday night to begin a five-day official visit. Yesterday he held bilateral talks with Kenyan H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta, which resulted to the signing of a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing relations between Kenya and Sierra Leone. The signing of the MoU was followed by a joint business forum between the government and private sector from both countries today Tuesday 31st May,2022 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nairobi.

Kenya and Sierra Leone share an economic and trade cooperation that can lead to growth and prosperity for the people of both nations.

Trade relations between Kenya and Sierra Leone indicate that; the total export earnings increased by 7.9% to KSh 643.7 billion in 2020 mainly on account of increases in the value of domestic exports of tea, horticulture, coffee, titanium ores and concentrates. The value of total imports went down by 9.0% to KSh 1,643.6 billion in 2020. Trade between both countries is currently considered minimal and is skewed in favor of Kenya. Kenya Exports in 2020 amounted to 3.2 Million USD and imports amounted to $0.2 Million USD. Kenya exports to Sierra Leone are medicaments, printed matter, tea and mate, textiles, paper, cosmetics, and electronics.

Representing KNCCI, The Chamber 2nd Vice President Ms. Fatma Elmaawy , stated that the only way to improve on the trade relations between the two countries is by having numerous business networking forums for exchange of ideas and various business opportunities. She added that KNCCI engage with the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Sierra Leone in advancing chamber-to-chamber partnership through signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing Kenya-Sierra Leone Joint Business Council and have Joint Trade and investment database through information sharing and exchange.

She concluded by giving assuarity that KNCCI will support the Kenya government in creating an enabling business environment that will pave way for profitable partnerships and exchange of opportunities between the two countries.

Also in attendance were KNCCI’s Directors Mr.Simeon Kitheka and Mr. Pravin Eazhawa