The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), represented by National Director Ken Onditi, today addressed the MATRADE Malaysia Delegation Seminar on Doing Business in Kenya, highlighting Kenya’s strong position as a gateway for trade and investment in East and Central Africa.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Onditi emphasized Kenya’s strategic advantages, noting that the country is East Africa’s largest economy, projected to grow at 5.2% in 2025 (World Bank forecast). With a population exceeding 56 million people and a rapidly expanding middle class, Kenya offers a robust consumer market and a wealth of investment opportunities.

“Kenya is open for business, and the opportunities are endless. Together, Kenya and Malaysia can build partnerships that not only grow our economies but also transform lives,” he said.

Mr. Onditi highlighted the government’s continued reforms aimed at enhancing the :

  • Simplified business registration through the eCitizen online platform, enabling registration in under 7 days.

  • More than 20 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Industrial Parks offering tax incentives and duty-free importation of raw materials.

  • Strong digital infrastructure and reforms in licensing and taxation.

  • Membership in AfCFTA, EAC, and COMESA, giving investors access to a market of over 1.4 billion people.

He highlighted Kenya and Malaysia enjoy long-standing diplomatic and trade ties, with shared aspirations in manufacturing, technology, agribusiness, education, and renewable energy. Mr. Onditi noted the importance of building on this relationship through joint ventures, technology transfer, and trade partnerships.

As the voice of the private sector, Onditi told the partipants that KNCCI plays a central role in:

  • Facilitating trade and investment.

  • Offering business matchmaking, trade missions, and networking opportunities.

  • Providing certificates of origin, arbitration for trade disputes, and investor support services.

  • Advocating for stronger Kenya–Malaysia business linkages.

He proposed the establishment of a Kenya–Malaysia Business Council to deepen bilateral trade and investment. Mr. Onditi urged both countries to actively participate in upcoming trade fairs, B2B forums, and investment missions to unlock untapped potential.