The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Chinese investors looking to explore business opportunities in Kenya and the wider African market. This pledge was made during the China (Shandong) – Kenya Accurate Procurement Matchmaking Conference, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi.

Speaking on behalf of KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto, Mr. James Kitavi, General Manager – Membership Services, welcomed delegates from China’s Shandong Province, emphasizing Kenya’s position as the gateway to Africa for trade, investment, and innovation.

“This event reflects our shared commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between Kenya and China,” said Mr. Kitavi. “We warmly welcome our friends from Shandong, a province globally recognized for its industrial strength, innovation, and dynamic private sector.”

Mr. Kitavi outlined several key investment sectors ripe with opportunity in Kenya:

  • Agriculture & Agro-processing – including horticulture, tea, coffee, and food processing.

  • Renewable Energy – where Kenya leads the continent with over 85% of energy generated from green sources such as geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar.

  • Manufacturing & Industrialization – under the government’s Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative supported by tax incentives.

  • Construction & Infrastructure – including rail, ports, affordable housing, and energy projects.

  • ICT & Innovation – where Kenya, known as Africa’s Silicon Savannah, boasts a young, tech-savvy workforce and strong digital infrastructure.

  • Tourism & Hospitality – offering world-renowned wildlife, coastlines, and cultural heritage.

Mr. Kitavi highlighted Kenya’s investor-friendly ecosystem that includes:

  • Stable governance and a well-established legal and regulatory framework.

  • Skilled and youthful workforce.

  • Robust infrastructure linking counties and neighboring countries.

  • Nairobi as a regional financial and technological hub, home to global firms and innovative mobile payment systems.

“Kenya and China share a long-standing partnership. Today’s conference is a testament to our shared journey toward mutual growth,” he added.

The matchmaking conference served as a platform to connect Chinese enterprises from Shandong with credible Kenyan partners. Its goal was to:

  1. Match buyers with reliable, capable suppliers.

  2. Present genuine, vetted business opportunities to investors.

  3. Facilitate discussions that translate into real, impactful projects.

Mr. Kitavi emphasized KNCCI’s unwavering support to both local and international investors, reaffirming that the Chamber:

  • Offers a unified voice for Kenya’s private sector through strategic policy advocacy.

  • Acts as a trusted platform for business matchmaking and joint ventures.

  • Provides valuable market insights, practical support, and investment information.

  • Works closely with government to address investor concerns and uphold a stable business environment.

“We are committed to facilitating seamless market entry for Chinese investors and ensuring long-term success for joint trade and investment initiatives,” said Mr. Kitavi.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry is optimistic that this engagement will catalyze meaningful partnerships that create jobs, foster innovation, and accelerate prosperity for both nations.

“We encourage all participants to engage openly, explore opportunities, and build lasting partnerships that uplift both Kenyan and Chinese communities,” he concluded.