The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) was honored to participate in the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), a premier global platform that continues to open doors for Kenya export-driven businesses. At the heart of our engagement this year was the groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding signed between Sumseron Coffee Limited and Rockcheck Group, an outcome of the Kenya–China B2B session hosted by KNCCI in April 2025. This partnership marks a transformative step in deepening Kenya footprint in the global coffee value chain.

Rockcheck Group, under the leadership of its President, Ms Catherine Junting Zhang, has committed to working closely with Sumseron Coffee Limited, led by its CEO, Mr John Seroney, to elevate Kenya’s coffee sector through investment in value addition, premium branding, sustainable sourcing and farmer empowerment. The partnership will support over 30,000 farmers across 21 cooperatives, introducing advanced technology and innovation to enhance productivity and improve traceability. Additionally, the collaboration envisions unique social impact projects, including youth engagement through a coffee-and-basketball initiative that merges enterprise development with community upliftment.

This cooperation reflects the deepening trade ties between Kenya and China. Kenya’s exports to China have surpassed USD 200 million in recent years, buoyed by the growing demand for high-quality Kenyan coffee, tea, avocados, nuts, and other agro-based commodities.


KNCCI extends heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Lynette Mwende Ndile, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Beijing, for her critical diplomatic support in facilitating Kenya trade and investment agenda in China. We also recognize the presence of Mr. Luthando Vuba, Head of Standard Group at Stanbic Bank, and his team for their unwavering support in unlocking financial and trade access for African businesses.

In his remarks during the Expo, Mr. Fredrick Mukilya, Chief Representative of the KNCCI China Office, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to building long-term, structured trade relationships between Kenyan SMEs and the Chinese market. He noted, “The Sumseron–Rockcheck partnership sets the tone for future cross-border value chain collaborations, where Kenyan SMEs and cooperatives can work with credible Chinese partners in agriculture, manufacturing, services and technology. KNCCI will continue to champion structured engagement and support our members with real market entry pathways, including certifications, packaging compliance, and joint ventures that bring jobs, exports, and value to Kenya.”

KNCCI commends the participation of its members in securing lasting market access and partners at the 8th CIIE, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), led by Mr Geoffrey Muriira Karau, for championing the Kenya standard quality agenda.