KNCCI, in collaboration with PCCI , held a successful validation workshop this morning to review findings from the Strategy to Promote Women in Exports study in Kenya. The initiative is supported by the Investment Climate Reform (ICR) Facility with technical assistance from SNV, and co-funded by the EU, OACPS, German Cooperation, and the British Council. The ICR Facility is implemented by GIZ, British Council, Expertise France, and SNV.
In his speech, Dr Erick Rutto pledged “KNCCI as the steadfast partner—amplifying your voices in policy discussions, connecting you with opportunities, and removing obstacles to your success”.
He recognized the remarkable achievement from a Kenya woman exporter/Isiolo KNCCI Director who exports horticultural products to the Middle and worth emulating!
He committed to supporting women exporters through concrete initiatives:
1.Market Access – connecting established exporters with opportunities.
2.Financingspecifically for women-owned businesses.
3.Access to digital trade platforms such as ISOKO to provide specialized market intelligence and regulatory guidance.
4.Working with policymakers to address structural barriers in trade agreements and customs procedures that disproportionately impact women exporters.
He urged the women exporters to harness their full potential as the doors to global markets are opening wider
Key focus:
-Addressing gendered barriers in trade
-Bridging the digital divide
-Expanding market access and finance for women-led exporters
-Launching a 3-month Technical Committee to finalize implementation, financing, and regional replication
The approach of how to replicate the process of developing the strategy is already being conducted in Tanzania with TCCIA, with plans to expand to other PACCI member countries as a scalable, regional model.
In attendance was Ms. Joyce Mwangi – PACCI East Block, Rebecca Hallam- Country Director SNV Kenya, multi government representatives, exporters, financial institutions, and private sector actors who participated.