The China (Hunan) – Kenya Edible Fungi Technology Training Program was strategically designed to transition local farmers from baseline agricultural knowledge into sophisticated, export-ready agribusiness operators capable of tapping into the highly lucrative global edible fungi market.

The cohort was taken through critical technical and commercial modules to ensure complete mastery of the value chain:

• Analysis into the global outlook, current status, and immense economic development prospects of the edible fungi industry before diving into the specifics of Oyster Mushroom Cultivation.
• Grading, Preservation, and Packaging of Edible Fungi: Agripreneurs were equipped with critical skills to maintain shelf-life and meet the stringent quality standards demanded by local supermarkets and international buyers. Later they were taken through core production during a White Mushroom Cultivation intensive, offering step-by-step guidance on substrate preparation and climate management for premium button mushrooms.
• Participants also mastered the fundamental biological building blocks of the crop by exploring the Physiology and Ecology of Edible Fungi, followed by a deep dive into international market trade dynamics and the complex logistics involved in the Export of Edible Fungi Products and Market Trade.
• Technical training advanced into the Nutritional and Environmental Requirements of Edible Fungi, alongside practical instruction on Simplified Cultivation of Edible Fungi, teaching farmers how to set up highly efficient, cost-effective infrastructure.
• The final technical block focused heavily on farm resilience through Integrated Pest and Disease Control for Edible Fungi, ensuring the graduates can confidently mitigate biological risks and protect their yields.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, KNCCI Chamber Business Academy Programmes Coordinator, Rachel Marete, lauded the graduates for their dedication and urged them to immediately deploy their newfound expertise. She challenged the agripreneurs to aggressively step into mushroom farming and commercialize their operations, noting that mushrooms command an exceptionally high profit-to-space ratio.

“Do not let this knowledge sit idle. Go out, build these enterprises, and commercialize your skills,” Ms. Marete urged the graduates. “The Chamber is fully ready and willing to assist you in navigating regulatory compliance, establishing local retail networks, and linking your businesses directly to new international buyers.”

This training program aligns seamlessly with KNCCI’s overarching mission to address the structural hurdles facing Kenyan MSMEs. By providing targeted technical skills and de-risking market entry, the Chamber Business Academy is actively working to bridge the “missing middle” helping small-scale operations scale into globally competitive enterprises.

With edible fungi presenting massive opportunities both domestically and regionally within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), these 26 certified graduates stand at the vanguard of a new, highly resilient frontier in Kenyan climate-smart agriculture.

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The meeting hosted at KNCCI Secretariat offices and led by Lucy Muchoki- Director Partnerships and Programs and KNCCI CEO KK Mutai focused on strengthening trade and investment ties between Kenya and China by facilitating the participation of Kenyan businesses to participate during the Expo. The CIIE delegation was led by Zhou Zhencheng Minister Counselor of Chinese Embassy in Kenya who was accompanied by Hua Wei President of the National Exhibition & Convention Center, Jia Liu – Deputy Chief Representative ICBC Africa and Vera Otumbi trade finance specialist at Stanbic Bank Kenya

Discussions centered on identifying opportunities for Kenyan exporters, manufacturers, and investors to showcase their products and services in the Chinese market.

The parties explored potential collaboration in business mobilization, trade promotion, market access facilitation, financial solutions for Kenyan enterprises. The partnership is expected to support increased bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and sustainable economic growth through stronger engagement between the Kenyan and Chinese business communities.

The stakeholders agreed on working together to ensure a successful Kenyan participation at the 9th China International Import Expo and to maximize the commercial opportunities.

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Following the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), through its Chamber Business Academy (CBA), has officially launched the China (Hunan) – Kenya Edible Fungi Technology Training Program.

The launch follows a strategic framework established between KNCCI and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council (CAPETPC) of Hunan Province, Changsha. The landmark partnership aims to revolutionize Kenya’s mushroom value chain by facilitating technology transfer, capacity building, and technical cooperation. In immediate execution of this agreement, professors and agricultural experts from the Hunan Edible Fungi Research Institute have arrived to train the first cohort of mushroom farming entrepreneurs.

Speaking during the launch, Professor Paul Gakarau, Chairman of the Chamber Business Academy Committee, emphasized that the intensive training program is designed to deliver a highly technical skillset required for profitable yields.

The initiative directly addresses a massive economic gap in Kenya’s agricultural sector. According to the industry baseline, Kenya faces an annual mushroom demand of approximately 1,200 tonnes against a domestic production of just 500 tonnes. This leaves an annual supply shortfall of roughly 700 tonnes.

“With such a substantial supply gap, the challenge is not market demand, but the technical capacity to produce at scale,” Professor Gakarau noted. He acknowledged CAPETPC and the Hunan Edible Fungi Research Institute for deploying advanced expertise to help local farmers scale production.

The training course equips participants with comprehensive skills in white and oyster mushroom cultivation, ecological requirements, pest and disease control, and modern packaging and preservation techniques. It provides practical, hands-on exposure that transitions directly into fruiting rooms, introducing modern mushroom bags into the regional supply chain and creating linkages with real buyers.

The mushroom training program aligns with the overarching mandate of the Chamber Business Academy, which was established to serve as KNCCI’s dedicated arm for capacity development and business growth. The academy provides a structured mechanism to elevate the competitiveness and market readiness of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperative societies, youth, and women.

Professor Gakarau highlighted several successful milestones already achieved by the CBA through key global partnerships:

• Skills Development for Youth and Women Programme: 578 young people and women have graduated with practical entrepreneurship skills, with a mentorship phase currently supporting 60 small and medium enterprises.
• The Jiinue Growth Programme: Over 6,000 MSMEs have been trained in business management, financial literacy, and digital adoption, with 800 enterprises receiving advanced technical support.
• Cooperative and Value Chain Support: Gender Diversity Management initiatives have strengthened governance and inclusion in the coffee value chain.
• iSOKO Digital Trade: Practical e-commerce training has enabled MSMEs to move beyond informal operations, integrate blended business models, and leverage digital tools for growth.

These initiatives, supported by organizations such as the Mastercard Foundation, TradeMark Africa, and the Lithuanian Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, underscore CBA’s steady momentum toward becoming an African business university.

Looking forward, Professor Gakarau announced an ambitious roadmap of flagship themes intended to scale Kenyan enterprises into regional and international markets.

Most notably, the academy will launch a series of China Zero Tariff Export Readiness programs. These programs are designed to provide hands-on market linkage support, enabling businesses to maximize the benefits of the zero-tariff export opportunity announced by China.

Additionally, upcoming flagship initiatives include:

• Smart Businesses Africa: Launching to help enterprises responsibly integrate AI into marketing and business operations.
• Artisanal Production Upskilling: Formulated to standardize, aggregate, and unlock formal markets for artisans at the base of the economic pyramid.
• Sustainability and ESG Capacity Development: Tailored to help local businesses adopt resource efficiency, align with international standards, and access green financing.

The collaboration between KNCCI, CAPETPC, and the Hunan Edible Fungi Research Institute serves as a prime example of CBA’s implementation-based training model. By introducing modern technology and strictly adhering to phytosanitary and safety standards, the partnership aims to transform mushroom farming from a localized activity into a highly lucrative, export-ready agribusiness value chain.

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The Chamber Business Academy (CBA), under the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI), has officially signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council (CAPETPC) of Hunan Province, Changsha. This historic partnership establishes a framework for technical cooperation, capacity building, and technology transfer designed to accelerate the growth of a professional and market-oriented mushroom value chain across Kenya and the wider region.

The framework outlines clear roles for both entities over its three-year duration. The Chamber Business Academy (CBA) under KNCCI will spearhead comprehensive capacity-building initiatives, designing practical training programs in production, enterprise management, standards compliance, and market linkages. Concurrently, CAPETPC will facilitate access to Chinese agricultural experts, advanced production equipment, and research solutions, alongside fostering business matching between local stakeholders and Chinese investment partners. The collaboration spans technical training, introduction of sophisticated farming equipment, value addition, and investment matchmaking.

Speaking at the ceremony, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto outlined the immense socioeconomic opportunities within the mushroom sector, emphasizing its capacity to solve critical challenges in food security, SME development, and agribusiness job creation.

Addressing the latent potential of the market, Dr. Rutto stated:

“Kenya’s mushroom sector has strong potential to support agribusiness development, job creation, food security, and SME growth; however, unlocking this requires strong technical training and professional market linkages.”

He further elaborated on what is needed to robustly support the regional value chain, adding:

“To build a truly sustainable and practical value chain, we must cooperate internationally to introduce suitable technologies, modern production methods, and shared market information that empowers our local producers.”

Dr. Henry Rotich, representing the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) as Director of Metrology and Testing, echoed the need for structural improvement within the industry. Dr. Rotich called on Kenyan farmers and processors to focus intensely on elevating and refining phytosanitary standards. He noted that strict compliance with safety, quality, and technical standards remains the single most critical bridge for Kenyan agricultural products to successfully penetrate and compete in the highly lucrative global market.

In immediate execution of this MoU, KNCCI through the Chamber Business Academy will launch an intensive, one-week professional training course on mushroom farming starting next week. Participants will be trained in oyster and white mushroom cultivation, mushroom physiology and ecology, nutritional and environmental requirements, simplified cultivation methods, pest and disease control, grading, preservation, packaging, export procedures and market trade.

Meanwhile KNCCI’s Chamber Business Academy and the Institute of Human Edible Fungihave also signed a MoU for strategic cooperation.

END

Editors Note

• According to the KNBS Economic Survey 2026, agriculture accounted for 23.2% of GDP in 2025, while the value of marketed agricultural production reached approximately KSh706 billion.
• Within this sector, mushroom production presents a strong but underdeveloped commercial opportunity.
• The most widely cited industry baseline estimates Kenya annual mushroom demand at approximately 1,200 tonnes, against domestic production of about 500 tonnes. This indicates a potential supply gap of approximately 700 tonnes annually. Although these figures require an updated national assessment, it still shows that domestic production is not meeting market demand.
• Demand exists among hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, food processors, institutions and households.
• Buyers require consistent volumes, good quality, proper grading, reliable packaging and predictable supply.

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It is against this backdrop that KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto today presided over the KALRO Scientific Conference and Innovation Expo 2026 as Chief Guest. The conference was held under the theme “Innovations for Sustainable Agri-food Systems, Climate Change Resilience and Improved Livelihoods.”

In his remarks, Dr. Rutto underscored the critical role of automation and innovation in transforming agriculture, noting that technology is key to increasing productivity, improving yields, and developing better crop and livestock varieties capable of withstanding climate-related challenges.

He challenged Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) researchers to broaden their focus beyond crops and livestock and invest more in developing locally appropriate agricultural machinery and technologies that address the everyday challenges faced by Kenyan farmers. According to Dr. Rutto, locally driven innovation will be instrumental in improving efficiency, reducing production costs, and enhancing competitiveness across the agricultural value chain.

The KNCCI President further called on the scientific community to play a more active role in informing policy and advocacy efforts, observing that despite agriculture’s immense contribution to the economy, there remains a disconnect between policy formulation and the actions required to unlock the sector’s full potential.

Dr. Rutto also highlighted KNCCI’s efforts to drive technology adoption and skills development among farmers, particularly youth, through initiatives such as the Jiinue Growth Programme and the Climate Smart Dairy Farming Project.

He concluded by challenging researchers to continue developing innovative solutions for the sector (such as Aflasafe; KALRO’s  innovative solution  to aflatoxin), while pledging KNCCI’s support in helping commercialize research outputs through enhanced market access, strategic partnerships, and the Chamber’s extensive local and international business networks.

Thereafter he was taken round ro the KALRO data center which houses the Kenya Agriculture Observatory Platform (KAOP) by KALRO Chairman Dr Thuo Mathenge and Director General Dr. Patrick K. Ketiem, a real-time monitoring and digital advisory system. It provides farmers and policymakers with hyper-local weather forecasts, soil health data, and market information down to the specific ward level

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The meeting sought to strengthen collaboration and partnership between the County Government and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of preparations for the upcoming Kajiado International Investment Summit.

The visit also marked the beginning of activities to celebrate KNCCI at 60, a milestone that will be commemorated through the Regional Chamber at 60 celebrations, bringing together seven counties: Kajiado (Host), Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru, Laikipia, and Samburu.

Conveying the message of KNCCI National President Dr. Eric Rutto, CEO Mr. KK Mutai reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to working hand in hand with the County Government to ensure the success of the celebrations and the investment agenda.

Mr. Mutai noted that Kajiado holds immense investment potential and that through strengthened collaboration, the Chamber is committed to rewriting the county’s investment story by enhancing investor confidence and promoting its competitiveness. He further observed that the Inter-Agency Forum held on 29th May, which declared Kajiado a secure and determined county for business, demonstrated the county’s readiness to support prosperity through a safe investment environment.
Speaking during the meeting, KNCCI Kajiado Chapter Chairman Joseph Ntele expressed the Chapter’s honour in hosting the Chamber at 60 celebrations, calling upon the business community and Chamber members to leverage the opportunity to showcase their enterprises, build strategic networks, and connect Kajiado businesses to regional and global markets.

A secure and prosperous Kajiado is a gateway to sustainable investment and economic transformation.

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The meeting was received by KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto, accompanied by KNCCI National Director Ken Onditi and Women in Business (WIB) Advisor Nancy Muthoni.

During the discussions, Dr. Rutto highlighted the significance of the Chamber@60 celebrations, which will feature activities across 10 counties culminating in a three-day flagship event in Nairobi. The celebrations are expected to attract local and international investors, business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond.

Key highlights of the planned celebrations include:

• Participation of over 350 exhibitors, including 50 exhibitors from Kenyan counties.
• Confirmation of more than 70 companies from China and 100 businesses from the East African Community region.
• Participation of chambers of commerce and business delegations from countries including Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Djibouti, and other African markets.
• The prestigious Kenya Business Awards, which will recognize outstanding business achievements and innovation.
• A dedicated Deal Room that will facilitate direct engagement between investors and financiers to unlock investment and financing opportunities.

Dr. Rutto noted that KNCCI will also facilitate targeted Business-to-Business (B2B) engagements for Absa clients during the celebrations, creating opportunities for partnerships, trade expansion, and investment deals.

Speaking during the meeting, Elizabeth Wasunna expressed Absa’s interest in supporting the Chamber@60 initiative and leveraging its presence across 13 African countries to attract exhibitors and investors. She emphasized the importance of positioning exhibitors as both buyers and sellers, promoting meaningful deal-making opportunities, and encouraging the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) as measurable outcomes of the event.

Absa also underscored the need for well-developed promotional materials to attract the right business connections and maximize networking opportunities.

Among the opportunities discussed was the possibility of Absa South Africa partnering with KNCCI and the South African Chamber to host an East African business event, while Absa Ghana could play a key role in strengthening trade and investment linkages between East and West Africa.

Next Steps

• Absa will leverage its network across 13 African countries to attract exhibitors, investors, and business delegations to the Chamber@60 celebrations.
• KNCCI and Absa will establish a joint technical working group to coordinate partnership activities and ensure successful delivery of the Chamber@60 programme.

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The Deputy Governor joined KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto, KNCCI Nandi Chapter Chairman Elly Chepkwony, regional and county Chamber leadership, as well as CECM Trade Nandi County Isiah Ketter, in touring over 50 exhibitor booths drawn from key sectors including manufacturing, agribusiness, cooperatives, financial services, health, ICT, and retail.

The leadership engaged exhibitors, sampled products, received business feedback, and explored strategies to expand business opportunities, market access, and investment linkages within the county and beyond.

Key findings from the KNCCI Nandi County Business Environment Feedback Survey conducted during the Expo revealed:
* 83% of businesses rate the current business environment as Good or Very Good
* 76% are optimistic about business growth over the next 12–24 months
* The top business challenges identified were market access, competition, digital adoption gaps, and access to finance
* Businesses called for increased networking opportunities, trade fairs, market linkages, and digital transformation support

The survey further demonstrated growing confidence in KNCCI, with many non-members expressing interest in joining the Chamber.

The KNCCI President was accompanied by:
* David Mpatiany – Regional Director, South Rift
* John Shimaka – Regional Director, Western
* John Wafula – Chair, Bungoma Chapter
* Ruth Ndung’u – Chair, Nakuru Chapter
* Dr. Naomi Kagone – Chair, Murang’a Chapter
* Mark Loriso – Vice Chair, West Pokot Chapter

KNCCI remains committed to strengthening the business ecosystem through advocacy, market access facilitation, SME support, and strategic partnerships that drive enterprise growth and regional competitiveness.

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The event hosted by Nandi Chair Elly Chepkwony celebrated excellence, innovation, and enterprise across more than 20 award categories, with recognitions ranging from Best Mama Mboga and Tailor of the Year to Best Retail Chain, Best Hospital, and Best Technical Training Institute.

The diversity of award recipients reflected KNCCI’s commitment to championing an inclusive business environment that recognises and uplifts enterprises of all sizes — from small informal traders to large established institutions.

In his keynote remarks, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto encouraged Nandi enterprises to scale up, embrace innovation, and position themselves to compete on a global stage.

The Expo’s Platinum Sponsor, KCB Bank, was represented by the Kapsabet Branch Manager, who delivered an impassioned address on growing local enterprises, strengthening SME financing, and supporting businesses to achieve sustainable growth.

The well-attended event featured:
* David Mpatiany – South Rift Regional Director
* Willy Kenei – Chair, Uasin Gishu Chapter
* John Wafula – Chair, Bungoma Chapter
* Ruth Ndung’u – Chair, Nakuru Chapter
* Dr. Naomi Kagone – Chair, Murang’a Chapter
* Dr. Billy Nyonje – Chair, Vihiga Chapter
* Mark Loriso – Vice Chair, West Pokot Chapter
* Dennis Nyangau – Vice Chair, Nyamira Chapter
* Simon Giathi – Vice Chair, Trans Nzoia Chapter
* Vincent Korir – Vice Chair, Kericho Chapter

The event also saw broad representation from the Nandi County Government led by CECM Trade Isiah Ketter, alongside officials from various county boards and departments.

The Gala Dinner marked a fitting conclusion to a successful Expo focused on strengthening enterprise growth, regional trade, networking, and investment opportunities within Nandi County and beyond.

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KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto’s remarks were delivered on his behalf by National Director and Chair Economic Diplomacy Committee Cynthia Nyawira, highlighted the Chamber’s active role in Kenya’s economic diplomacy.

The conference drew an impressive line-up of key stakeholders, underscoring the significance of the Kenya–China trade agenda including the Kenya Investment Authority and Lucy Muchoki the Chair, KNCCI Programmes and Partnerships Committee & CEO, Kenya Agribusiness and Agroindustry Alliance. The Changsha delegation included Li Weiqun Vice Chairman, Standing Committee of Changsha Municipal People’s Congress, Yang Zhiren — Deputy Director, Changsha Municipal Bureau of Commerce and China Business Representatives in Kenya including from , Zoomlion Overseas Company, eWaka Mobility, KILIMALL Kenya, Rideence Africa Limited and Executive Vice President, Hunan Association in Kenya Xiao Huizhong.

A central theme of the conference was the urgent need to address Kenya’s trade imbalance with China. Kenya’s trade deficit currently stands at approximately KES 654 billion. However, China’s decision to grant duty-free access to 98.2% of Kenyan exports was lauded as a transformative opportunity with early results are already showing tea and coffee exports to China have soared.

KNCCI Chair Programmes and Partnerships Ms. Lucy Muchoki highlighted the growing role of agriculture in Kenya’s exports to China, pointing to the strong potential for agribusiness expansion. She underscored the need to deliberately involve more youth and women in this growth, a call to action that aligns with KNCCI’s broader agenda of inclusive economic participation.

The Changsha delegation presented their city as a strategic distribution hub for goods entering China, with the capacity to channel products to markets across the entire country. This positions Changsha as a natural and efficient partner for Kenyan exporters seeking nationwide reach in China.

Presentations from Changsha’s industry leaders also spotlighted significant opportunities in biomedical devices, heavy machinery, new energy, and electric mobility sectors where Chinese enterprises are actively seeking African partners. KNCCI’s role in orienting and facilitating incoming Chinese investors was formally acknowledged and welcomed.

In remarks delivered by National Director Ms. Cynthia Nyawira, KNCCI outlined Kenya’s compelling investment proposition a dynamic economy that grew 4.6% in 2025, a youthful and entrepreneurial workforce, world-class digital infrastructure, and preferential access to a regional market of over 300 million consumers through the EAC, COMESA, and AfCFTA.

KNCCI also highlighted gains from KNCCI’s first overseas office in Changsha, established in December 2023 and which continues to serve as an anchor for Kenya–China business engagement, having already facilitated missions involving over 200 Kenyan business leaders.

Overall members in agribusiness, manufacturing, ICT, renewable energy, electric mobility, and biomedical sectors stand to benefit directly from the partnerships being developed through this forum.

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