Nairobi, Kenya – 12th August 2025: The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), in partnership with the Vilnius Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (VCCIC) of Lithuania, has marked a major milestone in SME capacity building with the graduation of 478 women- and youth-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the Skills 4 Women & Youth in Kenya programme.

Funded by the Lithuanian Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Fund, this inaugural cohort surpassed its initial target six-fold, equipping participants with world-class skills in digital marketing, e-commerce, export readiness, and global networking through eight high-impact virtual training sessions.

The training content was developed in response to insights from KNCCI’s 2024 National SME Survey, where over 700 enterprises identified critical needs in online visibility, cross-border trade, international market access, and global partnership development.

Participants gained practical skills to help them thrive in today’s competitive business environment:

  • Digital Marketing – Strategies to boost online visibility using SEO, Google Ads, social media, and email marketing.
  • E-Commerce Transformation – Tools for cross-border trade, process automation, AR/VR integration, and data-driven advertising.
  • International Business Development – Market intelligence, trade compliance, and leveraging frameworks like AfCFTA and AGOA.
  • International Partner Search – Methods to identify credible global partners, build trust, and enhance professional branding.

A key element of the programme was the Train-the-Trainer (ToT) approach, now active across all 47 KNCCI chapters, ensuring long-term skills transfer at the grassroots level. Graduates will also continue to benefit from the Chamber Business Academy through mentorship, advanced resources, and trade facilitation services.

Twenty high-potential SMEs from the cohort will receive personalized coaching from industry experts to accelerate their international growth.

“The Chamber has grown over the past three years from being a mere trade support institution, which inspired us to start the Chamber Business Academy. Our goal is to continuously equip Kenyan SMEs—especially women and youth—with the tools, skills, and networks they need to thrive not just locally, but also regionally and globally. This programme is part of our commitment to fostering sustainable transformation for our members and the wider business community,” said KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto.

He noted that the training stems from the recognition that Kenya’s trade deficit—with imports currently standing at approximately KES 1.7 trillion—can be significantly reduced by producing locally. According to Chamber research, local companies have the capacity to produce goods worth up to KES 1 trillion that are currently imported. Dr. Rutto emphasized that the skills program will equip KNCCI members to tap into this opportunity and position themselves as exporters to international markets.

“This programme reflects KNCCI’s commitment to delivering practical, high-impact solutions for our SMEs. By equipping women and youth entrepreneurs with competitive skills, we are not only enhancing their capacity to thrive locally but also positioning them to seize opportunities in regional and global markets.” – KK Mutai, Acting Chief Executive Officer, KNCCI

Voices from the Graduates

  • Faith Muchiri (Digital Marketing): “The things ive learnt in this training I wish I had that information before commencing with my export business. I can now identify international markets and partners better and reduce losses from non-payment.”
  • Serah Kangethe (International Partnership): “I have learnt that in business you need to have structures and as a founder I needed to stop running everything by myself. I learnt that while having a manager may seem like a cost initislly it is an investment that allowed me to venture out and look for more business.”

About KNCCI
For over six decades, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been the leading voice of Kenyan business, representing over 15,000 members across all 47 counties and driving Kenya’s engagement in regional and global trade.