The high-level meeting marks a significant diplomatic milestone, coming ahead of the official opening of Guatemala’s new embassy in Nairobi. This will become only the third Guatemalan embassy on the African continent, following established missions in Morocco and Egypt.

Strategic Highlights from the Bilateral Talks

The discussions centered on creating robust, reciprocal trade pathways that leverage the unique geographical and economic advantages of both nations:

• A Gateway to North America: Ambassador Carranza highlighted how Kenyan businesses can utilize Guatemala as a strategic entry point into North American markets. Guatemala enjoys lucrative, deeply integrated trade agreements with Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
• Kenya as an African Launchpad: Conversely, KNCCI leadership outlined the immense potential for Guatemalan businesses to utilize Kenya as a commercial launchpad to capture markets across East and Central Africa, and the wider African continent.
• Private Sector Collaboration via MoUs: To practicalize these trade opportunities, both parties explored avenues for KNCCI to collaborate directly with the Guatemala Chambers of Commerce and the country’s Exporters Association. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between these apex private sector bodies is being considered to serve as the primary vehicle for driving future business delegations and B2B partnerships.

Driving Private Sector Growth

This historic visit underscores KNCCI’s ongoing commitment to international trade facilitation and policy advocacy. By forging new alliances with emerging diplomatic partners like Guatemala, the Chamber continues to open fresh export frontiers and attract foreign direct investment for Kenyan entrepreneurs.

Further details regarding the upcoming MoU and subsequent trade missions will be shared with members in due course.

The post KNCCI Hosts Historic Bilateral Meeting with Incoming Guatemala Ambassador to Kenya appeared first on KNCCI.

The MOU was signed by Vishal Khagram, National Director, KNCCI, and representatives of CCPIT Fujian in the presence of government officials, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.

Among those in attendance were:

• Ronald Kemboi – Head of Marketing, Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA)
• Zhang Hua – Manager, Asset Operation Department, China Wu Yi Kenya Co. Ltd
• Ibrahim Nyangoya Auma – Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Nairobi City County Government
• Representatives from the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA)
• Officials from CCPIT Fujian and other trade and investment agencies

MOU Highlights

Product Display Centres – Establishment of reciprocal product display centres in Kenya and Fujian to showcase products and connect businesses with buyers.

Business Delegation Exchanges – Regular trade missions and business exchanges to promote partnerships and investment opportunities.

Trade Liaison Cooperation – Exploration of joint trade liaison offices to support exporters, facilitate market access, and strengthen commercial linkages.

The partnership builds on growing efforts to increase Kenyan exports to China and create more opportunities for local businesses to access one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

The signing concluded with both parties expressing confidence that the agreement will translate into stronger business connections, increased trade volumes, and long-term economic cooperation between Kenya and Fujian Province.

The post KNCCI and CCPIT Fujian Sign Trade Cooperation MOU appeared first on KNCCI.

The delegation, drawn from Dongguan’s Guangdong Province, a manufacturing hub of over 10 million people and home to 220,000 industrial enterprises, explored cooperation in electronics, home goods, and building materials.

Both parties underscored the need to grow Kenyan exports into Dongguan’s market, with particular emphasis on leather goods, tea, and agricultural commodities, sectors where Kenya holds a clear competitive advantage under China’s zero-tariff framework for African goods effective May 2026.

Discussions also centred on technical cooperation, e-commerce platforms.

The post China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Dongguan Committee Visits KNCCI appeared first on KNCCI.

Today marked a significant step in advancing the business environment for Kenyan enterprises as a KNCCI team led by Policy, Research and Advocacy – Head of Department, Mr. Stephen Osedo paid a courtesy call to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) head office.
The purpose of the engagement was to present and discuss the key findings of the recently launched KNCCI Annual Business Barometer 2026 with a specific focus on Taxation being one of the most pressing concerns for businesses across Kenya.
The session was officially opened with welcome remarks by Ms. Jane Nyokabi on behalf of KRA, setting a collaborative and constructive tone for the discussions.

KEY FINDINGS PRESENTED FROM THE BAROMETER:
Taxation remains the top challenge*for businesses at 46%
Concerns around the process of tax compliancewere highlighted
VAT, Income Tax & Turnover Tax which is causing confusion among MSMEs

Threshold uncertainty remains a pain point — particularly around the 5M–25M bracket for Turnover Tax and Minimum Tax
Limited KRA education outreach, and low readinesson validation of income & expenses were flagged

WAY FORWARD — AGREED ACTION POINTS

County Engagement: KNCCI to strengthen engagement with County Representatives to cascade tax education and compliance support to grassroots businesses
Micro & Small Taxpayer Collaboration: Joint efforts to improve how KRA and KNCCI collaborate to reach micro and small taxpayers effectively
eTIMS & Citizen Relations: Focused work on improving the eTIMS experience and strengthening citizen-taxpayer relations
Physical Interactions: Increase face-to-face engagements and outreach beyond digital platforms
Simplification Drive: Leverage platforms such as WhatsApp- Shuru, and multilingual communication to simplify tax messaging for all business segments

Deeper Sensitization: Roll out more robust education and sensitization programs targeting MSMEs on tax processes and obligations
Budget Proposals: KNCCI to actively participate in the budget process and submit simplification-focused proposals to KRA and relevant government bodies.
The meeting was highly productive and both parties expressed strong commitment to working together toward a simpler, fairer and more inclusive tax environment*for all Kenyan businesses.
With 73% customer satisfaction as a benchmark, the goal remains to ensure that every taxpayer, big or small is well-supported on their compliance journey.

The post KNCCI Pays Courtesy Call to Kenya Revenue Authority appeared first on KNCCI.

Mr. Bell, Founder and CEO of A Unity System, informed KNCCI that he has made the strategic decision to relocate all his manufacturing operations to Konza Technopolis, reinforcing Kenya’s growing reputation as Africa’s leading technology and innovation hub. He cited Kenya’s strong innovation ecosystem and investor-friendly policies as key factors behind his decision.

The move is expected to boost local manufacturing, create jobs, support technology transfer, and attract additional international investment into Kenya’s digital economy.

Dr. Rutto welcomed the investment and thanked Mr. Bell for choosing Kenya over other potential destinations. He noted that such investments demonstrate growing global confidence in Kenya’s business environment and its position as a gateway to African markets.

The meeting also explored opportunities to attract more African American investors to Kenya and the wider continent. Dr. Rutto encouraged Mr. Bell to engage the US Black Chamber of Commerce and invite its members to participate in the upcoming Chamber@60 celebrations, which will bring together businesses, investors, and exhibitors from more than seven countries.

KNCCI further pledged to support African American investors seeking to establish operations in Kenya, strengthening business partnerships, investment flows, and economic cooperation between Africa and the African diaspora.

The post KNCCI Hosts American Entrepreneur and Technology Investor Tonee Bell appeared first on KNCCI.

Dr. Rutto highlighted Kenya’s strengths as a regional commercial and logistics hub with strong capabilities in fintech, ICT, agribusiness, renewable energy, logistics and aviation, while positioning Namibia as a strategic investment destination with competitive advantages in mining, energy, tourism, fisheries, livestock and logistics through the Port of Walvis Bay.

The Chamber President noted that current trade volumes between Kenya and Namibia remain below their true economic potential, but emphasized that this presents a major opportunity for growth under the AfCFTA framework. He cited Kenyan enterprises such as Kenya Airways, Safaricom, Equity Group Holdings and Centum Investment Company as examples of Kenyan businesses increasingly expanding their footprint across the continent.

Dr. Rutto further identified key areas for bilateral collaboration including agribusiness, food processing, renewable energy, digital trade, tourism, logistics, mining support services and SME partnerships, emphasizing that Kenya offers Namibia access into East Africa while Namibia provides Kenya with a strategic gateway into Southern Africa and the wider SADC market.

He concluded by urging African private sector leaders to transform relationships into transactions, discussions into investments and opportunities into sustainable enterprises, noting that “the future of Africa will be built not through aid, but through African trade, African investment and African enterprise.”

The post KNCCI Calls for Stronger Commercial Partnerships at the Kenya–Namibia Business & Investment appeared first on KNCCI.

The relationship between KNCCI and CCPIT Guangzhou is rooted in a history of institutional support. In November 2023, CCPIT Guangzhou made a significant gesture of collaboration by offering KNCCI a satellite office in Guangzhou, including two years of rent assistance. This office serves as a dedicated platform for showcasing Kenyan products to the Chinese market. Building on this foundation, the two chambers signed an additional MoU at State House in March 2026 to scale exports under China’s new zero-tariff policy for African nations.

Current trade between Kenya and the industrial powerhouse of Guangzhou stands at approximately Ksh 3 billion. Most notably, the trade volume has witnessed a significant growth of 20%, highlighting a robust appetite for cross-border commerce.

To capitalize on this momentum, discussions focused on three priority sectors:

• Agri-food: Enhancing the export of high-value Kenyan products including coffee, avocado, and tea.

• Healthcare and Industrial Goods: Creating partnerships for the supply and local assembly of medical equipment and plastics.

• Regional Hub Status: KNCCI emphasized Kenya’s strategic position as the leading business hub in East Africa, offering Chinese investors a gateway to the wider regional market.

During the meeting, the KNCCI President presented the KNCCI Industrial Park project, an ambitious manufacturing initiative. The project seeks investors to develop a centralized industrial park comprising 10 specialized factories. This initiative is designed to boost Kenya’s domestic manufacturing capacity, create thousands of jobs, and position the country as a regional center for industrialization.

In a major announcement for the Kenyan business community, the delegation revealed that a segment of the Canton Fair will be held in Nairobi. Traditionally held in phases in Guangzhou during April and May, the decision to bring this world-renowned trade exhibition to Kenya marks a historic shift in trade promotion. This move will allow Kenyan importers and exporters to engage directly with global suppliers and manufacturers without leaving the country.

The signing of the new MOU between CCPIT Guangzhou and KNCCI marks a “from intent to execution” milestone. By combining Kenya’s strategic regional location with Guangzhou’s industrial expertise, both organizations are set to unlock a new era of prosperity that transcends traditional trade and moves toward shared industrial growth.

The post Kenya–Guangzhou Economic Ties Reach New Heights as KNCCI and CCPIT Ink Strategic Trade Pact appeared first on KNCCI.

The KRCS delegation, led by Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idris and Head of Partnerships and External Stakeholder Management Elizabeth Osodo, was received by KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto and KNCCI CEO KK Mutai. The discussions focused on how KNCCI can support the Kenya Red Cross in strengthening and regularizing some of its business-oriented and youth empowerment initiatives that complement its humanitarian mandate.

While widely recognized for its leadership in disaster response and emergency management, KRC highlighted its growing role in socio-economic empowerment across communities in Kenya. The organization outlined several ongoing initiatives aimed at equipping young people and vulnerable communities with entrepreneurial and employability skills.

Among the highlighted programmes is a coastal empowerment initiative supporting fisher communities through access to affordable credit under a microfinance model established by KRC. The organization is also implementing programmes which prepare youth for workplace integration through skills development and training at the Kenya Red Cross Training Institute. Additionally, KRC continues to contribute to hospitality sector training through its wholly owned Boma Hotels.

Speaking during the meeting, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto underscored the need for stronger collaboration between businesses and humanitarian organizations, noting that the private sector plays a critical role in building resilient communities and supporting disaster response initiatives through corporate social responsibility and strategic partnerships.

Dr. Rutto further challenged KRC to work closely with the Chamber in enhancing workplace preparedness and business continuity by expanding first aid and emergency response training for enterprises across the country.

“Humanitarian organizations and the private sector must work together in creating resilient communities and sustainable economic opportunities. Businesses have a major role to play not only in economic growth but also in supporting emergency response and community empowerment initiatives,” said Dr. Rutto.

In response, KNCCI CEO KK Mutai briefed the KRC team on several Chamber-led programmes that offer strong synergy opportunities. These include the Jiinue Growth Programme (JGP), the Skills for Youth and Women in Kenya Project, and the upcoming Nyota Project, all of which are focused on strengthening entrepreneurship, business skills development, and financial inclusion among youth and women.

He also highlighted KNCCI’s ongoing efforts to empower entrepreneurs through access to finance, loan guarantee mechanisms, and enterprise support under initiatives such as the Jiinue Growth Programme and the Climate Smart Dairy Project implemented in partnership with the Africa Guarantee Fund.

The two organizations agreed to establish joint technical working groups to fast-track the identification and implementation of collaborative programmes that will deliver greater impact to communities through training, financial empowerment, entrepreneurship development, and emergency preparedness.

The engagement marks an important step towards fostering stronger partnerships between humanitarian institutions and the private sector in advancing inclusive economic development and community resilience in Kenya.

The post KNCCI, Kenya Red Cross Explore Partnership to Advance Youth Empowerment and Community Resilience appeared first on KNCCI.

During the meeting, KNCCI Chief Executive Officer, Mr. KK Mutai, delivered his remarks highlighting the importance of strengthening partnerships with KIPPRA, particularly in undertaking joint evidence-based research and supporting the dissemination of KIPPRA’s research findings to KNCCI members across all 47 counties. He noted that collaboration between the two organizations presents a unique opportunity to bridge research-driven policy recommendations with real business experiences from the private sector.

Key Areas of Collaboration discussed included:
1. Joint Evidence-Based Research
2. Dissemination of KIPPRA Research.
3. Co-Development of the Annual State of the Business Environment in Kenya
(Business Barometer Reports)
4. Co-Hosting National and County-Level Policy Roundtables
5. Joint Forums and Conferences
6. Capacity Building and Training on Public Policy Making

For the next steps the two teams agreed on drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) capturing the agreed key areas of
collaboration, signing of the MoU during the 9th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference, scheduled for 20th – 22nd May 2026 in Mombasa and planning a courtesy call to KIPPRA to strengthen engagement

The post Virtual Meeting to Explore Key Areas of Collaboration Between KIPPRA & KNCCI appeared first on KNCCI.

Britam PLC, a Platinum Member of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, convened the Britam Biashara Network this morning ,an initiative focused on unlocking business potential for SMEs. The forum brought together enterprises from diverse sectors.

The keynote address was delivered by Wandia Gichuru, Co-Founder and CEO of Vivo Fashion Group, who shared insights on her entrepreneurial journey since founding the business in 2011, now approaching its 15-year milestone.

KNCCI was represented by National Director Ken Onditi during a panel session, where he highlighted the Chamber’s role in facilitating regional trade through the iSOKO platform, which connects traders across seven countries. He also emphasized the digitization of the Certificate of Origin to streamline exports, as well as the Jiinue Growth Program that equips SMEs with skills to access finance.

Other panelists included James Mbithi, Anna Masinde, and Wandia Gichuru.

The Britam Biashara Network will continue to be rolled out across counties in collaboration with KNCCI County Chapters.

The post KNCCI Participation at Britam Biashara Network (BBN) SME Forum appeared first on KNCCI.