The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has signed a strategic partnership with Ashitiva Advocates LLP aimed at strengthening business advocacy and improving the investment environment in Kenya.

The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was signed at KNCCI offices in Nairobi by KNCCI President Dr Erick Rutto and Ashitiva Advocates Senior Partner Nelson Ihachi Ashitiva.

The MOU establishes a clear framework for collaboration between the two organizations, focusing on promoting trade, investment, and private sector development in Kenya. It is built on five key pillars:

  • A joint framework to promote trade, investment, and enterprise growth
  • Co-organization of quarterly investment forums, policy dialogues, and stakeholder roundtables
  • Positioning Ashitiva as KNCCI’s preferred legal partner on foreign direct investment (FDI), public-private partnerships (PPPs), market entry, and regulatory compliance
  • A structured investor support and referral system for mutual benefit
  • Joint advocacy on laws and regulations affecting the business environment

A key part of the partnership will be the organization of quarterly investment forums, bringing together investors, policymakers, Members of Parliament, county officials, regulators, and development partners.

The first forum will focus on public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a driver of investment, while future sessions will address areas such as foreign direct investment, energy policy, MSME financing, the digital economy, and trade promotion.

In addition, KNCCI and Ashitiva will develop a joint annual calendar of activities which will include policy roundtables, investor briefings, trade missions, and capacity-building programs for KNCCI members.

Under the agreement, Ashitiva Advocates will serve as KNCCI’s strategic legal partner, offering advisory services in areas such as investment structuring, company incorporation, regulatory compliance, immigration, and data protection.

The firm will also support KNCCI’s advocacy work through legal research, technical advice, and development of policy position papers.

The partnership is expected to significantly strengthen KNCCI’s advocacy role by enabling joint analysis of proposed legislation and coordinated engagement with Parliamentary committees, regulators, and development partners.

Key focus areas for policy engagement will include MSME financing, the startup ecosystem, and reforms at the county level to improve the ease of doing business.

This partnership reflects KNCCI’s broader strategy to build strong alliances that enhance service delivery to its members and improve Kenya’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

By combining KNCCI’s extensive business network with Ashitiva Advocates’ legal expertise, the collaboration is expected to deliver more structured advocacy, better investor support, and stronger engagement on policy and regulatory reforms.