The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) today held a strategic engagement with the  represented by Mr. James H. Potts, Economic Counsellor, Embassy of the United States of America, to explore areas of collaboration aimed at deepening trade, investment, and private sector cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting brought together senior officials from KNCCI and the U.S. Embassy to discuss practical ways to strengthen the partnership and advance mutual economic interests, with a strong focus on empowering businesses, especially SMEs, through shared knowledge, technical support, and market access.

In his opening remarks, Potts commended KNCCI for its ongoing efforts in fostering a conducive business environment in Kenya and reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth, innovation, and bilateral trade. He emphasized the importance of creating sustainable linkages between Kenyan and U.S. businesses to unlock new opportunities in both markets.

KNCCI, led by President Dr. Erick Rutto, welcomed the partnership and outlined priority areas where enhanced collaboration could deliver tangible results for businesses across sectors.

Key Areas of Cooperation Discussed:

  • Market Intelligence: Enhancing the availability and exchange of real-time market data, trends, and trade insights to support informed decision-making for businesses seeking to expand into the U.S. or Kenyan markets.

  • Policy and Advocacy: Coordinating efforts to promote a favorable business and investment climate through joint policy dialogues, reforms, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Information Sharing: Establishing structured channels for timely dissemination of opportunities, trade regulations, and investment incentives.

  • Joint Programmes: Designing and implementing joint capacity-building and training initiatives targeting SMEs, women- and youth-led enterprises, and startup ecosystems.

  • Technical Support and Benchmarking: Facilitating technical assistance, advisory services, and benchmarking visits to share best practices and foster institutional growth within Kenyan chambers and business networks.

  • Trade Missions and Matchmaking: Organizing sector-specific trade missions, B2B matchmaking forums, and business delegations to connect Kenyan exporters and investors with U.S. counterparts.

Dr. Rutto noted that this engagement reflects KNCCI’s strategic approach to building global partnerships that offer value to Kenyan enterprises. He highlighted the importance of leveraging U.S. expertise in technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and green energy to support Kenya’s development priorities.

“This dialogue lays the foundation for deeper commercial ties between Kenya and the United States. By working together, we can open more doors for SMEs, drive innovation, and promote inclusive economic growth across both nations,” said Dr. Rutto.

The two parties agreed to establish a joint working mechanism to follow up on the agreed action areas and to prioritize upcoming opportunities, including potential U.S.–Kenya trade missions, SME exchange programs, and investment forums.

This meeting reinforces KNCCI’s commitment to forging high-impact international partnerships and positioning Kenya as a dynamic trade and investment hub in Africa.