The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Nandi Chapter has officially launched the first edition of the Nandi Business Magazine, a landmark publication that will spotlight the county’s business landscape, investment opportunities, and entrepreneurial success stories.

The colorful launch event was graced by Nandi County Governor H.E. Stephen Sang, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto, and other county officials, business leaders, and stakeholders.

The magazine, which will be published quarterly, features:

• Profiles of outstanding local entrepreneurs and innovators

• Sector-specific investment opportunities

• Updates on economic policies and infrastructure development

• Youth and women-led enterprise features

• Thought leadership and expert business insights

• Information on export, market access, and regional trade

“I commend KNCCI Nandi Chapter for this bold and timely initiative,” said Governor Stephen Sang. “This magazine is a valuable tool that will help market Nandi County as a competitive investment destination. I urge all stakeholders to support it fully.”

In his remarks, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto applauded the Nandi Chapter, noting it is the third KNCCI chapter to launch a county-level business magazine after Nairobi and Mombasa. He urged more chapters to follow suit in documenting and promoting their local economic strengths.

“This is exactly the kind of visibility and county-level storytelling we need to attract investors and empower our local business communities,” said Dr. Rutto. “The Chamber’s mandate is to grow local economies, and such efforts are commendable.”

Dr. Rutto also highlighted the success of KNCCI’s Jiinue Growth Program, which provides young entrepreneurs with training and access to credit. He referenced the inspiring stories of Jepkirui and Mildred, two young women whose journey from small-scale entrepreneurs to aspiring manufacturers has been featured in the new magazine.

“We will support these young ladies to transition into full-fledged manufacturers,” said Dr. Rutto. “This is what real economic transformation looks like — grassroots success stories turning into national industry players.”

Dr. Rutto did not shy away from the challenges faced by businesses across counties. He pointed out that inter-county taxation policies have become a major barrier to growth, discouraging movement of goods and increasing the cost of doing business.

“There is an urgent need to harmonize inter-county tax policies,” he emphasized. “KNCCI must have a voice at the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) to represent the concerns of our members at the highest level.”

He called on county governments to work closely with local KNCCI chapters to support MSMEs and the broader business community. He also stressed the need to examine the cost of doing business, particularly in relation to licensing and access to affordable credit.

“Kenyan businesses need single-digit interest rates to truly thrive,” Dr. Rutto noted. “Without affordable credit and a predictable business environment, we will continue to stifle entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Dr Rutto also challenged investors in the county to diversify their business and focus on value addition with areas such as the lather industry offering a huge potential.

The chamber president gave the chamber commitment to connecting businesses facilitating trade globally and opening markets for local products. He also encouraged businesses to join the chamber and congratulated the Governor for being conferred the Nandi Chamber Patron.

The Nandi Business Magazine is expected to play a crucial role in positioning the county as a regional hub for trade, investment, and enterprise development. Its launch underscores KNCCI’s continued commitment to empowering counties to tell their own economic stories, drive local investment, and create sustainable jobs.

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Speaking on behalf of KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto, Mr. James Kitavi, General Manager – Membership Services, welcomed delegates from China’s Shandong Province, emphasizing Kenya’s position as the gateway to Africa for trade, investment, and innovation.

“This event reflects our shared commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between Kenya and China,” said Mr. Kitavi. “We warmly welcome our friends from Shandong, a province globally recognized for its industrial strength, innovation, and dynamic private sector.”

Mr. Kitavi outlined several key investment sectors ripe with opportunity in Kenya:

• Agriculture & Agro-processing – including horticulture, tea, coffee, and food processing.

• Renewable Energy – where Kenya leads the continent with over 85% of energy generated from green sources such as geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar.

• Manufacturing & Industrialization – under the government’s Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative supported by tax incentives.

• Construction & Infrastructure – including rail, ports, affordable housing, and energy projects.

• ICT & Innovation – where Kenya, known as Africa’s Silicon Savannah, boasts a young, tech-savvy workforce and strong digital infrastructure.

• Tourism & Hospitality – offering world-renowned wildlife, coastlines, and cultural heritage.

Mr. Kitavi highlighted Kenya’s investor-friendly ecosystem that includes:

• Stable governance and a well-established legal and regulatory framework.

• Skilled and youthful workforce.

• Robust infrastructure linking counties and neighboring countries.

• Nairobi as a regional financial and technological hub, home to global firms and innovative mobile payment systems.

“Kenya and China share a long-standing partnership. Today’s conference is a testament to our shared journey toward mutual growth,” he added.

The matchmaking conference served as a platform to connect Chinese enterprises from Shandong with credible Kenyan partners. Its goal was to:

1. Match buyers with reliable, capable suppliers.

2. Present genuine, vetted business opportunities to investors.

3. Facilitate discussions that translate into real, impactful projects.

Mr. Kitavi emphasized KNCCI’s unwavering support to both local and international investors, reaffirming that the Chamber:

• Offers a unified voice for Kenya’s private sector through strategic policy advocacy.

• Acts as a trusted platform for business matchmaking and joint ventures.

• Provides valuable market insights, practical support, and investment information.

• Works closely with government to address investor concerns and uphold a stable business environment.

“We are committed to facilitating seamless market entry for Chinese investors and ensuring long-term success for joint trade and investment initiatives,” said Mr. Kitavi.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry is optimistic that this engagement will catalyze meaningful partnerships that create jobs, foster innovation, and accelerate prosperity for both nations.

“We encourage all participants to engage openly, explore opportunities, and build lasting partnerships that uplift both Kenyan and Chinese communities,” he concluded.

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The event served as a global platform to celebrate and recognize women making significant contributions to leadership, business, education, governance, and social transformation.

KNCCI was honored to have our Women in Business (WIB) representative, Ms. Eileen Kemunto, invited as a Guest and Panel Speaker under the theme “Business, Leadership and Empowerment.” Her participation and insights were a testament to the growing regional and international recognition of the impactful work KNCCI-WIB is doing to empower women across Kenya and beyond.

During her address, Ms. Eileen highlighted the Chamber’s commitment to advancing women’s entrepreneurship through strategic programs, mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive trade opportunities. She showcased flagship WIB initiatives that have created lasting impact, including:

• AGPO Sensitization and Empowerment Project – Designed to increase women’s participation in public procurement and access to government tenders.

• International Women’s Day 2025 Initiative – Supported over 150 women leaders and underprivileged schoolgirls in Nairobi with reusable menstrual kits and empowerment sessions.

• Digital Literacy and Entrepreneurship Training – Ongoing support to help young women transition from the informal to the formal economy.

• AfCFTA Sensitization & ISOKO Platform Promotion – Enabling women entrepreneurs to understand and benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) while expanding access to trade through ISOKO, a digital trade platform.

As a reflection of her leadership and the efforts of KNCCI-WIB, Ms. Eileen was recognized with a prestigious Award for Business, Leadership & Empowerment during the ceremony. This award not only honors individual excellence but also acknowledges KNCCI’s role in championing women’s economic inclusion and positioning Kenya as a beacon for women-led enterprise development on the continent.

The International Women’s Parliament’s recognition of KNCCI-WIB underscores the powerful message that local impact can drive global influence. With continued support and investment, KNCCI is committed to expanding its role as a regional hub for inclusive economic development and a model for women-led business excellence.

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In the meeting, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto reaffirmed the Chamber’s mission to promote and protect the commercial and industrial interests of Kenyan businesses. He emphasized that the government remains a natural and strategic partner in achieving this mission, especially in advancing inclusive economic growth and enterprise development.

“Any partnership with government is a shared opportunity to unlock value and deliver on our mandates,” said Dr. Rutto. He further called for urgent attention to pressing issues facing the business community, notably high and multiple taxes, mounting pending bills, and persistent youth unemployment.

On his part, Mr. Jaoko outlined a series of ongoing policy reforms and development programmes spearheaded by the Office of the President to foster a more inclusive and competitive business environment. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those owned by youth, women, persons with disabilities, and those in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).

Mr. Jaoko noted that KNCCI’s national reach through its 47 county chapters positions it as an ideal partner for grassroots-level implementation, advisory, and education related to these programmes. He underscored the importance of pro-investment policies in uplifting the informal and formal sectors alike and welcomed KNCCI’s engagement in co-creating solutions that benefit the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Both parties agreed to formalize the partnership and pledged to maintain continuous collaboration. This engagement builds on the recent commitment made by the President of the Republic of Kenya during a State House meeting in April 2025, where it was announced that quarterly roundtable meetings would be held with KNCCI to ensure consistent dialogue and policy alignment.

As Kenya charts a course toward economic inclusivity and empowerment, this partnership signals a renewed commitment to harnessing public-private collaboration as a catalyst for national development.

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The meeting highlighted Jersey’s globally respected financial services sector as a valuable model from which Kenyan businesses can learn and collaborate. Both parties also explored potential partnerships in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and dairy production.

A significant part of the conversation centered on labour mobility, with Jersey presenting numerous opportunities for skilled Kenyan professionals, particularly in the health and construction industries. The two leaders agreed to engage their respective governments in addressing policy and regulatory gaps that may hinder the movement of labour and skills between the two regions. The two chambers have also agreed to commence the process of preparing a partnership agreement to enhance collaboration between the two organizations.

This high-level engagement comes ahead of the upcoming events themed “Kenya’s Economic Potential: The Business Perspective”, scheduled to take place in Mombasa and Nairobi in December. These events are being organized by Jersey Finance, the promotional body for Jersey’s financial services industry, in collaboration with the British Chamber of Commerce Kenya, and are expected to further deepen trade and investment ties between businesses in both countries.

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In a strategic move to unlock investment opportunities and enhance the participation of Kenyan enterprises in national development projects, the President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Dr. Erick Rutto, held a consultative meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Affordable Housing Board, Ms. Sheila Waweru.

The meeting, held at the Affordable Housing Board offices, focused on exploring areas of mutual collaboration with a key emphasis on making affordable housing opportunities more accessible to KNCCI members across the country.

Dr. Rutto emphasized the need to streamline access to opportunities within the Affordable Housing Programme by leveraging KNCCI’s vast network of 47 county chapters to disseminate critical information and mobilize local enterprises at the grassroots level.

“The Chamber is keen on ensuring that our members, particularly SMEs and county-based businesses, are fully integrated into the affordable housing supply chain. We see immense potential in building partnerships that are inclusive, transparent, and empowering,” said Dr. Rutto.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around potential tax incentives on components and materials related to the housing program, which could ease the cost burden on businesses and spur uptake of the initiative.

Recognizing the role of the informal sector in national development, Dr. Rutto underscored KNCCI’s commitment to engage the Juakali sector more proactively. He noted that with proper coordination through KNCCI’s structures, the Juakali artisans and micro-enterprises can significantly contribute to housing production while benefiting from job creation and income generation.

“KNCCI believes that innovation is key to transformation—this includes modern production techniques and smarter partnerships that enable informal sector players to participate competitively in large-scale government projects like affordable housing,” he added.

On her part, Ms. Waweru welcomed the proposed partnership and expressed interest in formalizing a working framework with KNCCI to ensure smooth coordination going forward.

As KNCCI continues to champion opportunities for the private sector, partnerships with key government agencies such as the Affordable Housing Board remain central to its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous business ecosystem in Kenya.

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This collaboration will feature selected businesses on TV47, Radio47, and 47 Digital platforms, offering MSMEs a powerful platform to gain national visibility, showcase their products and services, share success stories, and connect with broader markets and potential investors.

Through this strategic media partnership, five MSMEs will be featured weekly on TV47’s flagship program “The Grind”, as well as on Radio47 and digital platforms. The initiative will highlight Kenyan entrepreneurship across all 47 counties, capturing diverse innovations, business models, and inspiring journeys that define the MSME landscape.

This collaboration marks a bold step toward amplifying MSME voices, driving economic empowerment, and supporting local innovation. By profiling enterprises from every corner of Kenya, we aim to celebrate homegrown solutions and catalyze growth opportunities for emerging businesses.

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We are delighted to welcome c Co. Limited to KNCCI as a Silver Member!

Today, the chamber had the pleasure of being hosted by the company’s Director, Mr. Jeremiah Karanja, where we gained valuable insight into their remarkable work in avocado farming, value addition, and exportation.

The company specializes in the production of premium avocado oil and related products, with a strong focus on sustainability, quality, and uplifting local farmers across Kenya.

Foreverplus is playing a key role in positioning Kenya as a global leader in agro-processing and high-value agricultural exports.

We are excited to partner with such an innovative enterprise and look forward to supporting their growth through KNCCI’s dynamic network and business platforms. Welcome aboard, Foreverplus Avocado & Oils Co. Limited!

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This afternoon, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President, Dr. Erick Rutto, hosted a high-level delegation from the Asian African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI) led by Founder and Chairman Dr. G.D. Singh, Director General Mr. M.J. Puri, Director Ms. Nancy Muthoni, and Director Ms. Jackie Ayiro.

The courtesy visit marked the beginning of meaningful engagements between KNCCI and AACCI, with a shared commitment to fostering trade, investment, and industrial partnerships across Africa and Asia. The meeting featured in-depth discussions with key stakeholders aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in strategic sectors critical to economic growth.

Key Areas of Collaboration Discussed:

Affordable Housing

The delegation explored the potential of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to drive affordable housing initiatives in Kenya. Discussions focused on land acquisition, government-backed guarantees to support project uptake, and engaging local companies in construction through Double AA contractors.

Agriculture & Digitalization

The team emphasized the importance of formalizing SMEs in agriculture and embracing AgriTech solutions to enhance productivity. The digital transformation of Kenya’s agriculture sector emerged as a key priority, with AACCI offering support for technological integration.

Industrial Opportunities

Opportunities in Kenya’s construction and manufacturing sectors were also discussed, including possibilities for value addition and local industrial development through cross-continental expertise and capital investment.

Trade & Investment

The leaders explored organizing joint trade missions, including India–Africa business delegations, B2B matchmaking forums, and the establishment of a dedicated Investment Centre. The team also reviewed potential collaborations in special economic zones, increased imports from India, and strengthened bilateral commodity exchange.

Upcoming Joint Initiatives

The AACCI team shared updates on the upcoming “Prime Billionaires” event in Dubai this October, which will serve as a platform for Africa–Asia networking, deal-making, and showcasing investment-ready opportunities from Kenya and the region.

This impactful visit, coordinated by the AACCI Kenya Chapter, laid the groundwork for long-term collaboration between the two chambers. Both sides expressed their commitment to deepening partnerships, driving innovation, and creating shared prosperity across the continents.

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For immediate release

Nairobi Kenya – 01.07.2025:  Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Chamber President Dr Erick Rutto has been announced as a member of the General Council of the World Chambers Federation (WCF). According to the World Chambers Federation the announcement made by chair Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu focused on the need for an inclusive composition with focus on Africa and other underrepresented regions.

Dr Erick Rutto will join another 20 elected members and 19 other appointed members to form the WCF General Council which sets up ad-hoc working groups to address specific issues arising from the WCF programme of action. The new WCF Council includes representatives from all regions of the world including the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled by my inclusion to the General Council of the World Chambers Federation especially to the WCF leadership for recognizing the importance of inclusive global representation. This appointment is a proud moment for the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and a recognition of Africa’s growing role in influencing global trade policy and development. This opportunity also offers Africa an opportunity to amplify the benefits of the Africa continental free trade area (ACFTA) on a global stage to investors willing to invest and trade in the continent. I look forward to working alongside fellow council members to champion the African voice, drive stronger collaboration, and contribute to solutions with greater impact for businesses worldwide.”

— Dr. Erick Rutto, President, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)

The new mandate will continue to build on global inclusion and representation efforts among WCF leadership to bolster WCF work and impact.

“This year’s election reflects the strength and diversity of our global chamber community. I’m proud to welcome such a high-caliber group to our Council and Executive Committee, and I look forward to working together to make WCF more inclusive, representative, and impactful than ever before,” — Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Chair, ICC World Chambers Federation. 

 The increased participation of Africa follows the hosting of the first World Chambers Federation congress in Nairobi, the first time in Africa, in April this year hosted by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). The WCF-Africa Congress saw the participation of over 65 chambers from around the world in an event officially opened by President William Ruto. World Chambers Federation (WCF) Regional Summits bring together members of our global network of chambers to approach common challenges and opportunities through a regional lens.

ENDS

For press inquiries, participation details, or partnership opportunities, please contact:

Kamau Mbote

Communication Officer – Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Email: media@kenyachamber.or.ke | Phone: +254 724 684368 | +254 203 927 000

Editors Notes

About WCF

• Representing chambers of commerce from around the world, the World Chambers Federation (WCF) is the backbone of the global chamber network.
• With an unprecedented participation of over 500 chambers from across the globe and a record number of candidates (59), this has been one of the most competitive elections in WCF’s history.

About KNCCI

• The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) is a membership based trade support institution (TSI) working to protect commercial and industrial interests of Kenyan business community.
• KNCCI has its main operations at the head office in Nairobi with County Chamber’s offices (chapters) in all the 47 Counties.
• KNCCI advocates for the creation of a favorable commercial, trade and investment environment that supports enterprise expansion. The membership of KNCCI constitutes small, micro enterprises (MSEs), medium and large enterprises.
• The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) is affiliated with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) through its membership in the World Chambers Federation (WCF), which is the ICC’s global network of chambers of commerce.

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