A key focus of the meeting was the upcoming Africa Commerce & Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026, scheduled for 14–16 October. Dr. Rutto formally invited the Nigerian High Commission to participate and encouraged Nigeria to establish a dedicated pavilion showcasing Nigerian enterprises, products, investment opportunities and capabilities.

The High Commission welcomed the invitation and expressed its willingness to mobilise Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs to participate. The engagement positioned ACIS as an important platform for connecting Kenyan and Nigerian businesses, generating B2B opportunities and translating the strong bilateral relationship into practical commercial partnerships.

Discussions noted that the scale of commercial engagement between two of Africa’s major economies remains below its potential. Both sides explored opportunities to strengthen two-way trade, broaden market access and connect credible businesses in sectors where there is clear demand and complementarity.

Among the opportunities discussed were Kenyan exports including sisal fibre, hides and skins, alongside Nigerian strengths in manufacturing, textiles, petroleum-related products and consumer goods. KNCCI emphasised its role in identifying credible enterprises, facilitating business connections and helping Kenyan companies access new markets across the continent.

The discussions also addressed the importance of strengthening confidence in cross-border transactions through reliable documentation, trusted business networks and improved trade facilitation.

Dr. Rutto highlighted KNCCI’s commitment to positioning Kenya as an accessible gateway for investment and business while simultaneously helping Kenyan enterprises look beyond traditional markets and build stronger commercial links across Africa.

The engagement also touched on business mobility and visa facilitation, opportunities for stronger people-to-people and private-sector connections, and the need for sustained engagement between business communities in both countries.

The Nigerian High Commission is also preparing a Nigeria–Kenya Business Forum in Nairobi, with KNCCI expected to support mobilisation of its membership and connect Nigerian businesses with relevant Kenyan counterparts. The engagement will complement Nigeria’s Independence celebrations and other bilateral activities planned for early October.

Also participating in the discussions were Muhammad Zayyanu Bandiya, Minister (Political) and Deputy Permanent Representative of Nigeria; Sonia from the Nigerian High Commission; KNCCI Head of Events and ACIS Implementation Committee lead Rahab Muturi; and Trade Department representative Sharon Karani.

The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to move Kenya–Nigeria relations beyond diplomatic goodwill towards stronger business partnerships, expanded market access, investment linkages and practical opportunities for enterprises in both countries.

For KNCCI, the engagement forms part of the Chamber’s wider agenda of opening Kenya for business, connecting Kenyan enterprises to new markets and using ACIS 2026 as a platform to deepen intra-African trade and investment.

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• Global skills development and regional workforce competitiveness
• Circular economy, green jobs, and sustainable economic growth
• Youth upskilling, reskilling, and future-of-work preparedness

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In a major step toward positioning the private sector at the heart of Kenya’s national development, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the Vision 2030 Delivery Board (VDB) have agreed to form a strategic partnership. The initiative aims to unlock long-term capital, broaden MSME financing, and co-create Kenya’s post-Vision 2030 development agenda.

The commitment was formalized during a high-level courtesy meeting held at the Vision 2030 Secretariat boardrooms in Nairobi. The delegation, led by KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto, met with VDB Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Nzai to establish a direct, structured framework for private-sector leadership in national economic planning.

$23 Billion Pipeline & Capital Market Mobilization

A central focus of the dialogue was operationalizing an estimated US$23 billion investment interest generated during Africa Capital Week (AfCW) 2026 from the NBCC team for selected bankable flagship projects.

To translate this interest into concrete investment, KNCCI and the Secretariat are partnering to deepen local capital markets and expand funding pathways:

• SME-Focused Investment Instruments: Designing specialized SME bonds and financing mechanisms to address liquidity and affordability constraints for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

• National Capital Mechanisms: Exploring capital market vehicles—including an Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund—to fund strategic projects and reduce reliance on traditional public debt.

• Investor Capacity Building: Mobilizing KNCCI’s nationwide business network to prepare project owners and private investors to participate in national flagship initiatives.

A Seat at the Table: Beyond Vision 2030

The meeting marked a shift toward embedding business leaders as core architects of Kenya’s long-term economic policies rather than standard advisory stakeholders.

• Co-Creating Kenya@2060: KNCCI will join technical teams contributing to the formulation of Kenya’s post-Vision 2030 blueprint (the Kenya@100 / Kenya@2060 framework) to ensure a private-sector-led growth model.

• Global Trade & Investment Delegations: KNCCI will be integrated into upcoming international trade missions, including side-event engagements at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and Washington.

• Strategic Partnerships: The Chamber will join high-level bilateral engagements, including an upcoming strategy session tied to the visit of industrialist Aliko Dangote.

“Ensuring that private sector perspectives are directly embedded into national policy development is vital for sustainable economic growth,” noted KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto, highlighting the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to building structured bridges between government policy and enterprise development.

Through these upcoming roundtables, international delegations, and financial instrument designs, KNCCI continues to expand trade linkages, defend MSME interests, and drive inclusive prosperity for Kenyan businesses.

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The TVET team was led by Ms. Joyce M. Mwale, Secretary – Administration, State Department for TVET, while the KNCCI team was led by Ms. Saum Siraj, Manager – Partnerships.

The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in technical and vocational skills development, industry–TVET linkages, technology transfer, digital skills, training of trainers, innovation and international exchange programmes.

The Chinese delegation shared its experience in practice-oriented vocational education and industry–education integration, including programmes in AI, robotics, smart manufacturing, software technology, big data, new-energy vehicles and other emerging technologies.

The engagement also explored opportunities for skills and knowledge exchange, joint training programmes, industry partnerships and potential longer-term investment and institutional collaboration in Kenya.

KNCCI will continue to facilitate meaningful connections between Government, the private sector and international partners to advance skills development, technology transfer, investment and industry-responsive training.

Building skills. Connecting industry. Creating opportunities.

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KNCCI’s Trust Seal and the MSME Opportunity
In her remarks, Director Muchoki set out KNCCI practical role in building transparency, credibility and security within Kenya’s growing e-commerce sector. She presented the Chamber’s e-commerce trust seal a digitally verifiable mark issued to businesses that meet KNCCI verification requirements designed to help customers distinguish verified sellers from unknown or potentially fraudulent online traders, with particular relevance for MSMEs engaged in digital and cross-border trade.

Trust as Economic Infrastructure
Grounding the discussion in data, she cited the 2025 Barometer, which found that 72% of Kenyans trust business, compared with 38% who trust government and 76% who trust NGOs. She framed this as both a mandate and a responsibility for the private sector to use that confidence constructively in support of investment, employment, innovation and economic development.

Regional Trade and Digital Trust
On regional integration, Director Muchoki noted that frameworks such as the East African Community, COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area create opportunity, but agreements alone do not generate trade businesses must trust their partners, investors must trust the regulatory environment, and traders must be confident that rules will be implemented and goods can move efficiently across borders.

On digital trust, she cited Barometer data showing that 67% of Kenyans trust artificial intelligence, while 80% are concerned that government leaders intentionally mislead the public. She also flagged that 46% of Kenyans approve of hostile activism as a means of driving change a signal, she said, that institutions must listen and engage meaningfully before grievances undermine social and economic stability.

Inclusion and Partnership
On inclusion, she argued that trust must translate into practical access to finance, procurement opportunities, markets and business networks for MSMEs, women and youth entrepreneurs. Addressing this, she said, cannot be done by any single actor it requires government, corporates, investors, development partners, technology companies, academia and entrepreneurs working together, with KNCCI’s role being to convene these stakeholders around practical solutions.

Beyond Agreement: Converting Trust into Economic Value
Director Lucy emphasized on that trust matters is not enough. She pressed the room to go further to name what needs to change, identify who must act, and define how progress will be measured. Her question anchored the day’s discussion: “How do we convert trust into economic value?”

She used the platform to unveil a landmark moment for the Chamber as KNCCI marks 60 years since its founding, it will host the Africa commerce and industry summit projected to draw more than 5,000 private-sector participants from Kenya and abroad.

Government Representation: Trust as the Foundation of Investment
Dr. Korir Sing’oei, Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign Affairs, was represented by Mr. Ibrahim Mustafa, Deputy Director General and Head of the Policy, Research and Strategic Analysis Directorate, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, who stood in as Chief Guest.

Mr. Mustafa framed trust as central to investment decisions, regulatory compliance, access to finance and long-term competitiveness, quoting Nobel laureate Kenneth Arrow’s observation that commercial transactions inherently carry an element of trust. He confirmed that Kenya will host the Global Trust Summit 2026 in Nairobi from 21 to 23 October, under the theme “Reviving Trust: Building Blocks for a Stronger Global Order,” convening governments, business, development partners, academia and civil society, in line with Kenya’s Fifth Open Government Partnership National Action Plan and the outcomes of the 2024 Summit of the Future.

He outlined reciprocal responsibilities between government and the private sector government providing a stable policy environment, credible procurement, fair competition and predictable tax administration, and the private sector upholding corporate governance, ethical leadership and consumer trust. He also highlighted regional integration under the EAC, COMESA and AfCFTA a market of more than 1.4 billion consumers and noted Kenya’s current chairmanship of COMESA ahead of the upcoming COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit.

On digital risks, he flagged the persistence of online fraud and the misuse of artificial intelligence to create false identities and manipulate data, calling for stronger investment in secure digital systems and cybersecurity. He cited the National Infrastructure Fund’s mobilization of USD 1 billion in investment as a practical example of trust translating into economic value, and closed by reaffirming the State Department’s commitment to forging robust institutional partnerships with the private sector.

Other Opening Remarks
• Daniel Wanjohi Ndirangu, CEO of the Institute of Public Finance, who welcomed participants on behalf of the co-convening secretariat.
• Mathias Kamp, Country Director, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Kenya Office, who spoke to KAS’s partnership in convening the roundtable and the wider Summit.
• Eng. James N. Mwangi, Board Member of KEPSA, who represented the Kenya Private Sector Alliance.
Josephine Wawira, Head of Corporate Communications, KEPSA, served as Master of Ceremony throughout the session.

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KNCCI and COG Sign Landmark Strategic Partnership to Drive MSME Growth, Data Digitization, and County-Led Economic Development

NAIROBI, KENYA – August 13, 2026 – The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the Council of Governors (CoG) have signed a transformative five-year Memorandum of Understanding (2026–2031) to strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), harmonize trade regulations, and accelerate economic development across all 47 counties.

The strategic agreement establishes a unified framework between county leadership and the private sector. Built around seven strategic pillars, the MoU prioritizes MSME capacity building, policy enhancement, county trade promotion, innovation hubs, and operational support for County Aggregation & Industrial Parks (CAIPs).

MSMEs account for approximately 98% of businesses and 86% of jobs in Kenya, while contributing nearly 40% to the national GDP. Despite their economic importance, enterprises continue to face hurdles in regulatory compliance, predictability, and access to growth capital.

The KNCCI-COG partnership seeks to resolve these bottlenecks. KNCCI will lead MSME capability programs, export-readiness training, market scans, and investor mobilization. Concurrently, CoG will coordinate county governments to harmonize local business licensing, supported by frameworks like the County Licensing Uniform Procedures Act, 2024, and simplify fee structures.

Key Quotes from Leadership

Dr. Erick Rutto, President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), highlighted the urgent need for data-driven policymaking and digitization to support MSMEs:

“To truly unlock the potential of our enterprise sector, Kenya urgently needs a comprehensive National Digitization Strategy focused on acquiring accurate, real-time data on MSMEs. We must clearly track their growth trajectories, exact contributions to GDP, and overall impact on employment creation across all 47 counties. High-quality data is the foundation of effective policy—without it, we cannot design targeted interventions, streamline county licensing, or unlock affordable financing. This partnership with the Council of Governors is a pivotal step toward building structured, digital-first policy environments that nurture MSME growth from the grassroots up.”

Delivering remarks on behalf of H.E. Dr. Moses Badilisha (Chairperson, CoG Trade and Cooperatives Committee), Dr. Katra Ali, Director of Health at the Council of Governors, noted:

“Trade development and regulation is a devolved function, placing County Governments at the forefront of creating an enabling environment for businesses to operate and grow. This is particularly important for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, which remain central to employment creation, livelihoods, and local economic development. We look forward to a renewed partnership anchored on regular engagement, practical interventions, and shared accountability to move beyond the MoU signing and deliver tangible results for MSMEs and investors across Kenya.”

Mr. KK Mutai, Chief Executive Officer of KNCCI, underscored operationalization and execution:

“This agreement transitions our collaboration from policy discussion into concrete, measurable action. By combining KNCCI’s enterprise support initiatives with county administrative structures, we are creating transparent market linkages, unlocking investment opportunities in County Industrial Parks, and providing Kenyan businesses with the operational stability needed to expand.”

To ensure accountability and practical implementation, the partnership incorporates:

• Joint Steering Committee & Technical Working Group: Overseeing execution, closing action points, and aligning annual workplans.
• Bi-Annual & Quarterly M&E Reviews: Utilizing structured scorecards and performance dashboards to track MSMEs trained, policies reviewed, and investments mobilized across counties.
• Resource Mobilization & Market Linkages: Direct alignment of sector activities—including market scans, trade fairs, and innovation hubs—with target county investment priority profiles

Meanwhile, on the upcoming Africa Chamber Investment Summit the Council affirmed full support for the event this October, with counties committing to participate in the summit including supporting MSMEs to participate as delegates and exhibitors.

###

Media Contacts:

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI)

Media & Public Relations Desk

Email: media@kenyachamber.or.ke Tel: +254-724684368

Nairobi, Kenya

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) today hosted its monthly New Members Induction Breakfast at the KNCCI Boardroom, bringing together newly onboarded members for an engaging introduction to the Chamber and its services.

The initiative provides an opportunity for KNCCI to understand members’ needs, connect them with relevant teams and services, and build meaningful relationships that support their business growth.

We are delighted to welcome our new members on board and look forward to supporting their businesses through networking, advocacy, trade opportunities, business development and other KNCCI services.

This month’s new members included representatives from Globeline Travel Limited, Biopharma Limited, ATP Investments, Loju Global, Building Materials Association of Kenya, Eni Natural EPZ Kenya, Sagana, Biriq & Muganda Advocates, Youthplus Ltd ,Chill Zone Logistics and KiliMax.

Welcome to the KNCCI family — together, we grow businesses, strengthen partnerships and drive Kenya’s economic growth.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) participated in the East Africa (Kenya) Fashion Life Show 2026, starting today 13 to 15 August 2026 at the Sarit Expo Centre, with National Director Mr. Ken Onditi, MBS, representing the Chamber.

In his remarks, Mr. Onditi highlighted KNCCI’s commitment to promoting trade, investment, innovation and stronger commercial ties between Kenya, China and the wider East African region. He highlighted the exhibition as an important platform connecting manufacturers, exporters, distributors, investors and buyers while facilitating business-to-business engagements, technology transfer and access to regional and international markets.

The National Director also recognized KNCCI member companies exhibiting at the show, noting that their participation reflects the diversity, resilience, innovation and competitiveness of Kenya’s private sector. He encouraged buyers and investors to engage with the Kenya Pavilion and explore opportunities for partnerships, trade and investment.

Mr. Onditi reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to strengthening regional value chains, promoting exports and positioning Kenya as a preferred investment and trading hub in Africa. He further called on exhibitors to leverage the exhibition to build strategic partnerships and expand their businesses beyond borders.

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NAIROBI, KENYA – July 30, 2026: The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has officially launched the Africa Commerce & Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026, a premier continental platform designed to drive deal-level transactions, unlock strategic investment, and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Scheduled to take place from 14th to 16th October 2026 at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument & Museum in Nairobi, Kenya, the flagship summit will be held under the theme “Driving Africa’s Next Era of Trade”. ACIS 2026 also coincides with KNCCI’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, marking six decades of economic leadership and enterprise development since its founding in 1965.

The three-day summit will gather more than 5,000 delegates from over 50 countries, bringing together Heads of State, government representatives, chamber presidents, global CEOs, development finance institutions, and over 100 investors actively seeking African growth opportunities. The summit features 350+ exhibitors across 12 high-growth sector pavilions including ICT & Digital Economy, Agribusiness, Financial Services, Green Technologies, and Manufacturing.

Speaking during the media launch in Nairobi, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized that ACIS 2026 is engineered to address the practical bottlenecks inhibiting cross-border business and trade integration.

“Africa’s next chapter is being written now, and there is a seat in this room for everyone prepared to help write it,” said Dr. Rutto. “While the AfCFTA has established a US$3.4 trillion single market across 1.5 billion people, intra-African trade remains disproportionately low compared to global peers. ACIS 2026 is timed to convert macro policy momentum into deal-level activity. This summit goes beyond conversations into transactions—providing private Deal Rooms, curated B2B matchmaking, and dedicated investment forums built to connect capital directly with scalable growth enterprises.”

Underlining the economic imperative, Dr. Rutto noted that intra-African trade is projected to rise by 6.6% annually, adding an extra US$261.4 billion to continental GDP by 2028 and raising trade’s overall output share to 16.5%.

KNCCI Vice President Mr. Mustafa Ramadhan highlighted the core mission of inclusivity behind the summit, ensuring that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), youth-led innovators, and women-owned businesses take center stage.

“Businesses across the continent face real operational questions: How do we enter new markets? Where do we find reliable partners and investors? How do we export across borders?” noted Mr. Ramadhan. “ACIS 2026 is a marketplace built to provide practical solutions to these challenges. Across Africa, opportunities exist in abundance, and in the words of Eliud Kipchoge, ‘No Business is Limited.’ We are creating an environment where African-led businesses can build trust, find distributors, and trade together seamlessly.”

Highlighting the operational architecture of the event, KNCCI Chief Executive Officer Mr. KK Mutai stated that the summit is curated to yield immediate commercial results.

“Our ambition for ACIS 2026 is straightforward: when participants leave Nairobi this October, they should leave with more than conference materials and business cards—they should leave with signed purchase orders, executed contracts, and binding investment deals in hand,” stated Mr. Mutai. “Whether connecting to equity funds, pitching to global buyers, or exploring public-private dialogues, every hour of ACIS 2026 is structured for maximum economic return.”

END

ABOUT THE KENYA NATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (KNCCI)

Established in 1965, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) is the premier umbrella body for the private sector in Kenya. Celebrating 60 years of advancing trade and industry, KNCCI represents thousands of businesses across all 47 counties, advocating for a favorable commercial environment, driving SME capacity development, and facilitating international trade partnerships.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kamau Mbote

Communication Lead

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)

Phone: +254 72468368 Email: media@kenyachamber.or.ke /

Website: http://www.kenyachamber.or.ke/ acis2026.kenyachamber.or.ke

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President, Dr. Erick Rutto, today hosted a business delegation from China’s Jiangsu Province led by Mr. Wang Shanhua, President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Jiangsu Sub-council and the Jiangsu Chamber of International Commerce. The delegation paid a courtesy call to the Chamber to explore opportunities for increasing trade and investment between Kenya and Jiangsu Province.

Dr Rutto was flanked by Richard Ndung’u, Chairman, Asia & China Committee and Chair Sylvanus Abungu KNCCI Busia.

The delegation brought together companies from a wide range of sectors, including textiles, logistics, engineering, exhibitions and events, battery manufacturing, e-mobility, and mechanical equipment manufacturing.

During the meeting, discussions focused on how KNCCI can support Chinese companies looking to establish manufacturing operations in Kenya. The Chamber highlighted Kenya’s strategic location as a gateway to East and Central Africa and the investment opportunities available through government incentives such as the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs).

A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a distribution agreement between Changzhou Yaochun Gerui Textiles Co., Ltd, represented by its Chairman, Mr. Li Xiaochun, and StarFits Collection, represented by its CEO, Mr. Dan Miano. The agreement covers the distribution of blankets, home textiles and carpets, creating a stable overseas supply chain partnership and strengthening trade links between the two countries.

The KNCCI reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating business partnerships, promoting investment, and creating opportunities that enhance trade between Kenya and China.

The meeting was also attended by Ms. Wu Wenwen, Director of the International Liaison Department at CCPIT Jiangsu Sub-council; Mr. Wang Yang, Director of the Legal Affairs Department; Mr. Qian Baoquan, Director of the Trade Promotion Department; Mr. Liu Lei, Fourth-level Researcher in the Trade Promotion Department; Mr. Zhang Yuxuan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Jiangsu Chamber of International Commerce; Mr. Zhu Wenqun, Chairman of Lianyungang Ningyuan International Logistics Co., Ltd.; Mr. Li Xiaochun, Chairman of Changzhou Yaochun Gerui Textiles Co., Ltd.; Mr. Si Hang, General Manager of Jiangsu Wanshang International Exhibition Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Zhuang Changbiao, Deputy General Manager of Jiangsu Amalfi Mechanical Equipment Co., Ltd.

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