PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

Nairobi Kenya – 01.07.2025:  Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Chamber President Dr Erick Rutto has been announced as a member of the General Council of the World Chambers Federation (WCF). According to the World Chambers Federation the announcement made by chair Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu focused on the need for an inclusive composition with focus on Africa and other underrepresented regions.

Dr Erick Rutto will join another 20 elected members and 19 other appointed members to form the WCF General Council which sets up ad-hoc working groups to address specific issues arising from the WCF programme of action. The new WCF Council includes representatives from all regions of the world including the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled by my inclusion to the General Council of the World Chambers Federation especially to the WCF leadership for recognizing the importance of inclusive global representation. This appointment is a proud moment for the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and a recognition of Africa’s growing role in influencing global trade policy and development. This opportunity also offers Africa an opportunity to amplify the benefits of the Africa continental free trade area (ACFTA) on a global stage to investors willing to invest and trade in the continent. I look forward to working alongside fellow council members to champion the African voice, drive stronger collaboration, and contribute to solutions with greater impact for businesses worldwide.”

— Dr. Erick Rutto, President, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)

The new mandate will continue to build on global inclusion and representation efforts among WCF leadership to bolster WCF work and impact.

“This year’s election reflects the strength and diversity of our global chamber community. I’m proud to welcome such a high-caliber group to our Council and Executive Committee, and I look forward to working together to make WCF more inclusive, representative, and impactful than ever before,” — Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Chair, ICC World Chambers Federation. 

 The increased participation of Africa follows the hosting of the first World Chambers Federation congress in Nairobi, the first time in Africa, in April this year hosted by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). The WCF-Africa Congress saw the participation of over 65 chambers from around the world in an event officially opened by President William Ruto. World Chambers Federation (WCF) Regional Summits bring together members of our global network of chambers to approach common challenges and opportunities through a regional lens.

ENDS

For press inquiries, participation details, or partnership opportunities, please contact:

Kamau Mbote

Communication Officer – Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Email: | Phone: +254 724 684368 | +254 203 927 000

 

Editors Notes

About WCF

  • Representing chambers of commerce from around the world, the World Chambers Federation (WCF) is the backbone of the global chamber network.
  • With an unprecedented participation of over 500 chambers from across the globe and a record number of candidates (59), this has been one of the most competitive elections in WCF’s history.

About KNCCI

  • The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) is a membership based trade support institution (TSI) working to protect commercial and industrial interests of Kenyan business community.
  • KNCCI has its main operations at the head office in Nairobi with County Chamber’s offices (chapters) in all the 47 Counties.
  • KNCCI advocates for the creation of a favorable commercial, trade and investment environment that supports enterprise expansion. The membership of KNCCI constitutes small, micro enterprises (MSEs), medium and large enterprises.
  • The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) is affiliated with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) through its membership in the World Chambers Federation (WCF), which is the ICC’s global network of chambers of commerce.