The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has officially launched its first liaison office in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a historic milestone in the protection and empowerment of Kenyan businesses in the Middle East. The launch, held at the Radisson Blu Nairobi, introduces a dedicated framework to mitigate the escalating commercial risks that have cost Kenyan exporters billions of shillings annually.

The UAE is currently Kenya’s 5th largest export destination, with trade volumes reaching USD 401.5 million in 2023. However, this growth has been overshadowed by significant losses. During the launch, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto highlighted a “troubling reality,” noting that the livestock sector alone suffers Sh 6 billion in annual losses due to unpaid exports.

“We will no longer allow Kenyan exporters to be exploited,” stated Dr. Rutto. “The documented losses including 156 containers of fresh produce lost annually to rogue importers are unacceptable and unsustainable. This Dubai office represents our commitment to turn the tide by providing real-time intelligence and a rapid response mechanism to engage UAE authorities directly when disputes arise”.

Adding to the technical urgency of the mission, Mr. Salat Ali, Chairperson of the KNCCI Dubai Office, delivered a presentation on “Recovering and Protecting Your Exports”. He detailed the Chamber’s new suite of trade protection tools designed to vet buyers and secure contracts. Mr. Ali emphasized that the office will serve as a “one-stop shop” for Kenyan exporters to access verified buyer networks and legal advocacy, ensuring that the “export dream” does not become a financial nightmare.

The event also underscored the massive untapped potential within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market. Dr. Richard Kyuma, CEO of the National Livestock Development and Promotional Services, provided a sobering statistic, noting that despite Kenya’s vast resources of 22 million cattle and 58 million sheep and goats, the country currently supplies only 14% of the Gulf market demand. He emphasized that with improved market coordination and the protection services now offered by KNCCI, the livestock sector is poised to become a primary driver of Kenya’s national GDP.

KNCCI CEO Mr. KK Mutai concluded the launch by reaffirming the Chamber’s mission to facilitate seamless trade through the authentication of goods via the Certificate of Origin (COO) and robust arbitration frameworks. “Exporting should be profitable, not a gamble,” said Mr. Mutai.

The KNCCI Dubai Office is now open to all Kenyan exporters, SMEs, and cooperatives seeking to trade safely and sustainably in the Gulf region. The Dubai office is the second KNCCI diaspora office follows the opening of an office in Hunan, China.