Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President, Dr. Erick Rutto, has called on Chinese companies to seize the investment opportunities available in Kenya as a gateway to the African continent. Speaking during the Equinox Outsourced Service China-Africa Business Forum, Dr. Rutto highlighted Kenya’s strategic geographic location, market transparency, and investor-friendly tax and regulatory framework as key competitive advantages for international businesses.

Dr. Rutto emphasized that Kenya’s adherence to enforceable financial market standards and master agreements provides a predictable business environment attractive to long-term investors. He particularly encouraged Chinese firms to consider Kenya’s priority sectors, where significant growth potential exists.

In the agriculture sector, he noted that cold chain logistics and agro-processing remain underdeveloped, presenting immediate investment opportunities. “These are low-hanging fruits with high potential for impact and returns,” he remarked.

Turning to the energy sector, Dr. Rutto pointed to the untapped potential in solar mini-grids, battery storage systems, and smart grid infrastructure, particularly in remote and underserved areas. He urged Chinese companies to bring their technological expertise and financing models to help bridge Kenya’s energy access gap.

Dr. Rutto also spotlighted Kenya’s emerging mining sector as a promising area for Chinese investment. Drawing parallels with the rapid growth seen in Tanzania’s mining industry, he said, “Kenya’s mineral sector holds immense potential for tenfold growth, if strategically developed with the right partners.”