KNCCI held its monthly virtual China Series session focusing on setting up a company in the Chinese market and job opportunities offered by Chinese companies, attracting over 76 participants from Kenya. In his opening remarks, KNCCI Chamber President, Dr Erick Rutto, highlighted KNCCI’s support for business expansion, job creation, and Kenya-China linkages, enabling members to maximize available opportunities and become more competitive in trade and investment.

The session also featured key guidance from Togetherway General Manager Florence on setting up a company in China, including company registration, bank accounts, trademarks, work permits and the relevant rules and regulations. Presentations on job opportunities were also shared by representatives from Overseas Home Talent Network, Oriental Yuhong, Changsha Baojue Automobile Sales and Service, Hunan Eter Medical, ZMEV Limited, The Victorian Garden, S&E Bio-technology Development, Hunan Real Media, Flavors & Fragrances, African Digital Innovation Accelerator, Fujian Mingxing Food and the China-Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Base. The session was moderated by Fredrick Mukilya, KNCCI China Office Representative based in Changsha, Hunan Province.

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Key details of the MoU
· It focuses on deepening trade and investment ties between Kenya and China
· Supports business-to-business linkages between Kenyan and Chinese enterprises
· Enhances market access for Kenyan exports, especially under China’s new zero-tariff policy for African countries
· Promotes cooperation in priority sectors such as:Agriculture (e.g. coffee, avocados) Manufacturing, Energy & mining, Trade and
· Facilitates trade promotion, exhibitions, and matchmaking platforms between the two countries
Strategic significance
· The MoU is part of broader efforts to reduce Kenya’s trade deficit with China and scale exports
· It aligns with ongoing initiatives to position Kenya as a gateway to East and Central Africa for Chinese investors
· It strengthens KNCCI’s role as a bridge between Kenyan businesses and international markets

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Their high-level discussions focused on deepening bilateral trade, investment, and collaboration in ICT, logistics, port management, renewable energy, smart cities, and financial technology areas suggested by Dr. Rutto as high-impact opportunities for Kenya-Singapore cooperation.

Dr. Kan who presented his credentials to His Excellency William Ruto in June 2025 highlighted Africa’s immense potential, with its population estimated at 1.44 billion in 2026.

In his remarks, Dr. Rutto challenged Singapore Airlines and other global players to recognize Africa as a serious and strategic aviation market, ripe for growth and investment.

The engagement marks a significant step in Kenya’s strategic journey toward adopting global best practices inspired by Singapore’s model of excellence, in line with the Government’s development agenda.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of a ceremonial plaque to H.E. Dr. Kan in recognition of his commitment to advancing Kenya–Singapore relations.

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Over 180 youth were trained on livestock enterprise development under the KNCCI Jiinue Growth Program.

KNCCI CEO K.K. Mutai and Chamber President Dr Erick Rutto led a team from the county government to witness the sessions.

Training was led by Head of Programs Daniel Biketi, focusing on enterprise structuring, financial discipline, and market alignment.

Key areas covered:

* Budgeting & Cost Control: tracking inputs (feed, vet, transport) to protect margins
* Reinvestment Strategy: ploughing profits back into herd quality for long-term yield
* Risk Management: mitigating livestock/dairy losses via diversification, disease control, and insurance
* Long-term Planning: pipeline-based production aligned to market demand

On finance, Biketi simplified the 5Cs of Lending for farmers:

* Character: SACCO discipline & repayment history
* Capacity: proof of income via sales/herd records
* Capital: personal stake in the business
* Collateral: livestock, land, or group guarantees
* Conditions: understanding market cycles and risks

Youth also learned aggregation models, export compliance, and market linkages, enabling them to plug into structured value chains.

A certified sign language interpreter was onboard to assist a hearing impaired youth.

The top 10 performers received Chamber Business Academy certificates, creating a pipeline of credit-ready, market-aligned agripreneurs.

Bottom line: Jiinue equips youth with financial intelligence, disciplined production, and market-ready skills, transforming them into scalable agribusiness operators rather than subsistence players.

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With this foundation, focus shifts to a rapidly opening mining frontier—gold, gemstones, limestone and gypsum—supported by better road access. Policy direction is clear: cap idle prospecting (More than 2 years), and ensure local communities capture value from extraction.

The engagement then moved to the Maralal livestock market, where Dr Erick Rutto held direct consultations with traders. Key ground realities emerged:

* High transport costs significantly eroding trader margins

* Inconsistent livestock quality and limited standardisation

* Weak aggregation systems limiting access to premium/export markets

At the same time, a clear growth pathway was reinforced through the KNCCI-backed 1M goats & sheep export MOU—with emphasis on upgrading vaccination, breeding, feeding and record-keeping to meet strict export health standards. The visit served both as real-time market intelligence gathering and grassroots sensitisation on available opportunities.

Bottom line: Improved security is now translating into active markets, investable mining, and a clearer pathway to export-scale livestock trade

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The pilot training, held at EKA Hotel Eldoret, brought together over 80 small and medium-sized enterprises from the region, marking a significant step in strengthening digital capacity among Kenyan businesses while fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange with Lithuania.

While officially opening the training, Uasin Gishu KNCCI Chairman Willy Kenei described the region as an emerging digital powerhouse, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture and increasing adoption of technology among local enterprises. He emphasized that such initiatives position Eldoret and the wider North Rift as key players in Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.

KNCCI Women in Business Chairperson Zainab Mohammed encouraged women and youth to actively participate in the programme, noting that they are critical connectors between traditional enterprises and global export markets. She highlighted that Uasin Gishu’s economy largely anchored on agriculture, including coffee, tea, and flower exports stands to benefit significantly from digital tools that enhance market access and competitiveness.

Participants underwent comprehensive and practical training sessions designed to equip them with immediately applicable digital skills. The morning session focused on essential steps and tools for growing SME businesses, including actionable strategies to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. This was followed by an interactive group workshop where participants tackled real business challenges such as digital marketing, customer identification, and market analysis, developing practical, solution-oriented approaches.

In the afternoon, experts from Lithuania led the OSMOS Global Partnerships training session, sharing international best practices and insights. The session covered core digital skills for business growth, drawing lessons from Lithuania’s advanced digital ecosystem. Additionally, participants were trained on cybersecurity essentials, including threat mapping, risk identification, and effective response strategies. A hands-on workshop allowed SMEs to simulate real-world cyber threat scenarios and develop structured response plans, enhancing their resilience in an increasingly digital business environment.

The training also fostered peer learning and collaboration, with SMEs presenting their business challenges and receiving tailored, actionable solutions from fellow participants and facilitators. This practical, problem-solving approach ensured that the knowledge shared was directly relevant to the participants’ day-to-day operations.

The Skills4Women & Youth initiative continues to play a critical role in equipping entrepreneurs particularly women and young people with the tools needed to thrive in the digital economy. Through partnerships such as the one between KNCCI and VCCIC, Kenyan SMEs are gaining exposure to global expertise, strengthening their capacity to innovate, scale, and access international markets.

This pilot training in Eldoret sets the stage for further roll-out of similar programmes across the country, reinforcing KNCCI’s commitment to empowering businesses through skills development, digital transformation, and strategic international partnerships.

Thereafter the participants received certificates of participation from the Chamber Business Academy having successfully completed the course.

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The conference opened with a warm welcome from KNCCI CEO KK Mutai, who emphasized the importance of supporting women and youth in business. Chamber President Dr Erick Rutto emphasized the importance role played by the Women in Business committee in the Chamber as an important platform to allow women enjoy the benefits KNCCI offers. Women in Business (WIB) Chair Zainab Mohammed delivered a keynote address, underscoring that women control a significant portion of Kenya’s SMEs, and their active participation is essential for economic growth. She highlighted the importance of mentorship, digital literacy, and cross-border partnerships to empower women entrepreneurs nationwide.

A key feature of the conference was the panel discussions held after lunch, which brought together prominent women leaders from various sectors. Moderated by Debora Tendo Auko, the session featured influential voices including Grace Munjiri, Chair of Women in Public Relations; Salome Kavindu, President of the Organization of Women in Trade; Frida Owinga, Founder of WEconnect International; Roselyne Nganga, Founder of Alkhemy Brands Limited; and Robyn Emerson, Founder and first President of WIRE. These leaders shared their experiences and committed to acting as role models and mentors, inspiring young women entrepreneurs across the country.

In a landmark announcement, Zainab Mohammed and Vice President of the Vilnius Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (VCCIC) L. Aldonė agreed to launch a virtual marketplace starting next month. This platform will facilitate networking and business connections between Kenyan and Lithuanian companies, with a vision for an upcoming trade mission to strengthen bilateral trade. This initiative is expected to open new market opportunities for women-led businesses in Kenya, particularly in agriculture, digital services, and creative industries.

The conference also featured knowledge-sharing sessions on digitalization, cybersecurity, and core business skills, with experts from Lithuania presenting successful models that could be adapted to Kenya’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Attendees explored lessons from Lithuania’s digital startup ecosystem, EdTech initiatives, and cybersecurity strategies, emphasizing the role of digital literacy in scaling businesses.

Closing remarks from KNCCI leadership celebrated the achievements of women entrepreneurs and reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to fostering an inclusive business environment. The day concluded with a networking cocktail, providing participants with opportunities to build relationships and explore partnerships.

The International Women’s Day event at the Skills for Women and Youth Conference reinforced the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs in Kenya, equipping them with the skills, networks, and international linkages needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive economy.

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In his keynote address, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized that empowering women and youth is not merely a social agenda but a critical economic strategy for the nation. Highlighting Kenya’s demographic strength, Dr. Rutto noted that over 75% of the population is below age 35, and women lead a significant portion of the country’s 7.4 million MSMEs, which contribute up to 40% of the GDP.

“Opportunity without capability creates inequality,” stated Dr. Rutto. “Our role is to ensure our entrepreneurs are equipped with the right skills and connected to the right markets to move from informal survival to scalable, sustainable growth”.

The President reported impressive results from the Skills for Women and Youth Programme (2024–2026), which has already trained 478 SMEs nearly four times the initial target and deployed 138 certified trainers across all 47 counties.

Representing the Ministry of ICT, the speech “Bridging the Digital Divide in Kenya” Secretary ICT, E-Government and Digital Economy Mary Kerema outlined the government’s aggressive roadmap toward an “intelligent economy”. To improve digital inclusiveness, the government is currently:

• Expanding Infrastructure: Deploying 100,000 km of fiber optic cable and establishing 1,450 additional digital hubs to ensure last-mile connectivity.
• Enhancing Accessibility: Focusing on providing affordable devices and public Wi-Fi to reach all parts of the country.
• Policy Innovation: Developing flexible frameworks, including regulatory sandboxes, to support startups and secure data protection.

The Ministry underscored that bridging the divide requires moving beyond simple access to “meaningful participation,” where women are not just users of technology but innovators and decision-makers.

Chief Guest at the event Lithuanian MFA Vice Minister Vidmantas Verbickas highlighted Kenya as a vital partner in Africa, noting that the cooperation is built on three key priorities: strengthening skills for a digital economy, creating practical partnerships, and fostering long-term impact.

The Vice Minister noted that Lithuania’s approach is fully aligned with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which promotes sustainable investment and digital transformation.

“Lithuania sees Kenya as a very important partner in Africa. A country with strong economical potential, a dnamic private sector, and a clear vision for digital and economic transformation. Lithuania is committed to working with Kenya not only as a donor, but as a reliable partner in building resilient systems and supporting innovation.” Verbickas stated.

The vice minister promised to extend cooperation between Kenya and Lithuania through trade with more programmes and trade missions expected in the future.

The conference featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KNCCI and the Vilnius National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Craft to further solidify the business ties between Kenya and Lithuania. KNCCI CEO KK Mutai reiterated that the Chamber Business Academy will continue to serve as a permanent platform for mentorship and capacity building to ensure the sustainability of these digital gains.

END

Media Contact:

Kamau Mbote

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)

Phone: +254724684368

Email: kamau.mbote@kenyachamber.or.ke/ media@kenyachamber.or.ke/

About the Skills4Women & Youth Project

The Skills4Women & Youth in Kenya project is a joint initiative by KNCCI and the Vilnius Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts and funded by the Lithuanian Development Cooperation. It focuses on training entrepreneurs in digital marketing, e-commerce, international business, and cybersecurity to enhance the competitiveness of women and youth-led businesses in the global market.

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He emphasized bridging the trade deficit by scaling Kenya’s exports through value addition, standards compliance, SME aggregation, and private sector-led growth in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and other priority sectors.

Panel – Bridging Markets, Creating Opportunities:

* Regina Ombam – Principal Secretary, State Department for Trade
* Feng Xiang – Chairman, Beijing Xineng Rare Earth Co. Ltd
* Zhang Shaolin – Manager, Zhejiang Pujia Import and Export Co., Ltd
* Pally Muthathai – Chairperson, MacNut Association of Kenya
* Erick Rutto – President, KNCCI
Moderator: Beatrice Marshall

Dr. Rutto also engaged senior officials including Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, reinforcing KNCCI’s role as the bridge between policy and enterprise.

The session gained momentum with the arrival of Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, and Han Zheng, Vice President of China and Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, whose remarks highlighted a shared commitment to deepening trade and translating policy into real market outcomes.

Hon. Lee Kinyanjui delivered a strong address on Kenya’s global trade positioning, while high-level sessions and business matchmaking set the stage for deals across:
* Agriculture & Food Industry
* Energy & Mining
* Manufacturing Industry
* Trade & Financial Services
* Technology and Other Sectors

On the sidelines, Dr. Rutto engaged the media—including China Global Television Network—delving into the duty-free framework and its ripple effects on Kenyan exports.

A day of bold discussions, strategic alignment, and actionable partnerships—showcasing KNCCI as the engine driving Kenya’s trade growth

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The global conference has convened research institutions, industry leaders, technology providers, investors and development funders to advance solutions that can accelerate productivity, reduce costs and strengthen the sustainability of aquatic food systems.

Key discussions have focused on:

* Aquafeed innovation — addressing feed costs that account for up to 70% of production expenses.

* Genetic improvement and hybridization — improving growth rates and farm profitability.

* Technology adoption — smart monitoring systems, automation and climate-resilient production models.

* Aquaculture Development Zones — policy frameworks that attract investment while ensuring environmental compliance.

* Hatchery nutrition systems — strengthening early-stage survival and commercial scalability

With aquaculture now supplying more than half of global fish consumption. In East Africa, the sector is still significantly under industrialised, the conference provides a strategic platform to mobilise investment, accelerate technology transfer and strengthen regional value chains.

Through engagement alongside its industry members, KNCCI aims to position Kenya as a competitive aquaculture investment destination and drive partnerships that will scale production, create jobs and unlock longterm blue economy growth.

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