The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Nandi Chapter has officially launched the first edition of the Nandi Business Magazine, a landmark publication that will spotlight the county’s business landscape, investment opportunities, and entrepreneurial success stories.

The colorful launch event was graced by Nandi County Governor H.E. Stephen Sang, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto, and other county officials, business leaders, and stakeholders.

The magazine, which will be published quarterly, features:

  • Profiles of outstanding local entrepreneurs and innovators

  • Sector-specific investment opportunities

  • Updates on economic policies and infrastructure development

  • Youth and women-led enterprise features

  • Thought leadership and expert business insights

  • Information on export, market access, and regional trade

“I commend KNCCI Nandi Chapter for this bold and timely initiative,” said Governor Stephen Sang. “This magazine is a valuable tool that will help market Nandi County as a competitive investment destination. I urge all stakeholders to support it fully.”

In his remarks, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto applauded the Nandi Chapter, noting it is the third KNCCI chapter to launch a county-level business magazine after Nairobi and Mombasa. He urged more chapters to follow suit in documenting and promoting their local economic strengths.

“This is exactly the kind of visibility and county-level storytelling we need to attract investors and empower our local business communities,” said Dr. Rutto. “The Chamber’s mandate is to grow local economies, and such efforts are commendable.”

Dr. Rutto also highlighted the success of KNCCI’s Jiinue Growth Program, which provides young entrepreneurs with training and access to credit. He referenced the inspiring stories of Jepkirui and Mildred, two young women whose journey from small-scale entrepreneurs to aspiring manufacturers has been featured in the new magazine.

“We will support these young ladies to transition into full-fledged manufacturers,” said Dr. Rutto. “This is what real economic transformation looks like — grassroots success stories turning into national industry players.”

Dr. Rutto did not shy away from the challenges faced by businesses across counties. He pointed out that inter-county taxation policies have become a major barrier to growth, discouraging movement of goods and increasing the cost of doing business.

“There is an urgent need to harmonize inter-county tax policies,” he emphasized. “KNCCI must have a voice at the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) to represent the concerns of our members at the highest level.”

He called on county governments to work closely with local KNCCI chapters to support MSMEs and the broader business community. He also stressed the need to examine the cost of doing business, particularly in relation to licensing and access to affordable credit.

“Kenyan businesses need single-digit interest rates to truly thrive,” Dr. Rutto noted. “Without affordable credit and a predictable business environment, we will continue to stifle entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Dr Rutto also challenged investors in the county to diversify their business and focus on value addition with areas such as the lather industry offering a huge potential.

The chamber president gave the chamber commitment to connecting businesses facilitating trade globally and opening markets for local products. He also encouraged businesses to join the chamber and congratulated the Governor for being conferred the Nandi Chamber Patron.

The Nandi Business Magazine is expected to play a crucial role in positioning the county as a regional hub for trade, investment, and enterprise development. Its launch underscores KNCCI’s continued commitment to empowering counties to tell their own economic stories, drive local investment, and create sustainable jobs.