The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), convened a high-level side event during the Devolution Conference 2025 to discuss inclusive economic growth and access to finance for MSMEs. The Chamber President, Dr. Erick Rutto, was represented by National Director Ken Onditi, who delivered remarks highlighting the persistent challenges facing Kenyan entrepreneurs in accessing affordable and sustainable financing.

Speaking at the event, Onditi noted that access to finance remains one of the biggest barriers to MSME growth in Kenya. Findings from the KNCCI Business Barometer 2025 revealed that 23.4% of enterprises struggle to secure capital, while 32.9% called for more accessible and affordable credit facilities. This mirrors global assessments, including the World Bank’s 2022 report, which found that nearly 18% of Kenyan firms identify financing as their top business obstacle.

MSME Financing Landscape: Persistent Challenges

According to the MSE Tracker Survey by the Central Bank of Kenya, KNBS, and FSD Kenya, women-owned businesses in operation dropped from 74% to 70% between October 2022 and June 2023, while rural enterprises declined from 72% to 69%. The main reasons cited were lack of working capital (46%) and reduced customer demand (24%). Alarmingly, 59% of businesses that closed had attempted to seek capital before shutting down.

Although the proportion of MSMEs with traditional bank or microfinance loans grew from 6% to 16%, collateral requirements and limited loan sizes continue to hinder access. Mobile money lending products remain a critical alternative, but often at high cost and limited scope.

Government Interventions

Ken Onditi acknowledged significant government efforts to support SMEs, including:

• Hustler Fund, which has disbursed over KSh 72 billion to 26 million Kenyans, including SMEs.

• Women Enterprise Fund, with cumulative loans exceeding KSh 27.8 billion to over 2 million women entrepreneurs.

• Uwezo Fund, with disbursements of KSh 7.2 billion to over 1.1 million individuals.

• Youth Enterprise Development Fund, which has provided KSh 14.17 billion to more than 2 million youth.

• The Credit Guarantee Scheme, which since 2020 has enabled KSh 6.18 billion in loans to 4,078 MSMEs.

While impactful, Onditi stressed that many of these interventions remain constrained by small loan sizes, short repayment terms, and collateral requirements that limit their transformative potential.

KNCCI’s Interventions: Financing Beyond Barriers

KNCCI outlined several flagship initiatives designed to complement government programs and address financing gaps:

• Jiinue Program (with Mastercard Foundation):

  • 39,788 entrepreneurs trained in financial literacy.

  • 29,977 SMEs linked to financing partners.

  • Over KSh 443.6 million disbursed to date.

• KNCCI–Equity Bank Partnership:

  • A KSh 200 billion facility established to support up to 3 million enterprises.

  • By June 2025, 48,000 SMEs trained and 8,500 members accessed KSh 8.7 billion in loans, with strong emphasis on women and youth.

• Africa Guarantee Fund Partnership:

  • Risk-sharing to encourage banks to lend to SMEs.

  • Technical assistance and training for SMEs on financial readiness.

  • Support for digitalization, e-commerce, and sustainable business practices.

In addition, KNCCI is in the process of setting up a KNCCI SACCO, scaling up the KNCCI Business Academy, and strengthening county–national linkages to ensure entrepreneurs across the country can access finance and capacity-building opportunities.

In his closing remarks, Onditi emphasized the Chamber’s call to stakeholders:

• Financial institutions to adopt collateral-free or blended financing models.

• County governments to collaborate with KNCCI on local credit guarantee schemes.

• Development partners to scale up financing programs that directly benefit women, youth, and rural enterprises.

“Access to finance is not merely about loans—it is about unlocking the potential of our entrepreneurs. It is about giving every Kenyan the opportunity to build, grow, and scale their business. When MSMEs thrive, Kenya’s economy thrives,” Onditi stated.

The session concluded with a strong consensus on the need for public–private partnerships, innovative financial models, and targeted interventions to strengthen Kenya’s MSME sector and drive inclusive economic growth.

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Sofax Fluorspar Kenya has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mizztech Group of China to refurbish its Kerio Valley-based processing plant, marking a significant milestone in the revival of Kenya’s fluorspar mining operations.

The agreement, signed at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) headquarters in Nairobi, sets the stage for the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract expected to be concluded within the next six months.

The partnership comes just a month after Sofax Fluorspar Kenya secured a 25-year mining licence (ML/2025/0216) from the State Department of Mining. The licence, valid until 3rd June 2050, grants the company rights to mine, mill, and market Acidspar Grade Fluorspar (97% CaF₂). Under the terms, Sofax is mandated to revive fluorspar mining, refurbish its processing plant, and position the commodity for the export market under the Sofax Fluorspar Project.

Speaking during the ceremony, Sofax Fluorspar Kenya Chief Executive Officer, John Masanda, hailed the agreement as a transformative step in Kenya’s mining sector:

“This MoU with Mizztech Group is not just about refurbishing a plant; it is about unlocking the full potential of the Kerio Valley fluorspar reserves, creating jobs, and positioning Kenya as a competitive player in the global fluorspar market. This marks a major step in revamping our processing operations and delivering value to our stakeholders over the next 25 years.”

Mizztech Group CEO, Charles Cheng, emphasized the global significance of fluorspar and its diverse industrial applications:

“Fluorspar is a critical mineral used in the production of steel, aluminium, glass, ceramics, and various chemical applications. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring cutting-edge technology and expertise to Kerio Valley, ensuring world-class processing standards that meet the demands of global markets.”

KNCCI Ag CEO KK Mutai, who witnessed the signing, commended the partnership, noting that it aligns with Kenya’s industrialization goals and the Chamber’s mandate to facilitate trade, investment, and strategic partnerships.

“This is the kind of transformative collaboration that demonstrates the power of linking Kenyan enterprises with international partners. It will not only boost the mining sector but also contribute to our broader economic growth agenda.”

The refurbishment of the processing plant is expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve product quality, and increase Kenya’s export earnings from the mining sector.

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This afternoon, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President, Dr. Erick Rutto, led a high-powered delegation of KNCCI National Directors and County Chapter leaders in engaging with KNCCI members participating in the ongoing Devolution Conference 2025.

In line with this year’s conference theme — “Deepening Devolution for Inclusive Economic Growth” — the KNCCI team visited members across diverse sectors including manufacturing, agribusiness, trade, ICT, tourism, and professional services. The engagements provided a platform to discuss how the Chamber can strengthen its role in empowering businesses both locally and internationally.

The discussions focused on three key areas where KNCCI continues to deliver value to its members:

1. Market Access and Trade Facilitation – Leveraging KNCCI’s extensive network and trade missions to connect members to domestic and export markets, and facilitating participation in key business expos and international fairs.
2. Policy Advocacy and Representation – Championing the interests of the business community at both county and national government levels, ensuring that the voices of enterprises are heard in shaping trade, investment, and regulatory frameworks.
3. Capacity Building and Business Development – Providing targeted training, mentorship, and business advisory services through initiatives such as the KNCCI Business Academy, aimed at equipping SMEs with the skills to scale sustainably.

Dr. Rutto reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to fostering an enabling business environment, noting that county-level engagement is essential to achieving inclusive growth under devolution. He emphasized that the Chamber’s unique county-to-national presence positions it as the ideal bridge between local enterprises and global opportunities.

These engagements also served as a build-up to the KNCCI Side Event at the Devolution Conference, which will bring together county governors, private sector leaders, development partners, and entrepreneurs to explore strategies for unlocking county investment potential, promoting cross-county trade, and strengthening the role of the private sector in driving Kenya’s economic transformation.

Speaking during the visits, Dr. Rutto said:

“Devolution is about empowering communities — and businesses are at the heart of that empowerment. KNCCI is here to ensure our members have the tools, networks, and policy environment they need to thrive in every county and in the global market.”

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CLICK HERE for the survey https://lnkd.in/dP84868Z

This quarterly survey is a vital tool for understanding business confidence, challenges, and emerging opportunities across Kenya.

Your feedback will directly inform policy and advocacy at both the county and national levels, with a focus on:

Access to finance & performance of banks and fintech providers

Export readiness for AfCFTA & global markets (incl. EU compliance)

Climate action, ESG & sustainability practices

Impact of political demonstrations & civic unrest

Satisfaction with government policy & regulation

All responses are confidential and protected under the Kenyan Data Protection Act, 2019.

Your input matters. Help us advocate better for your business.

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Funded by the Lithuanian Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Fund, this inaugural cohort surpassed its initial target six-fold, equipping participants with world-class skills in digital marketing, e-commerce, export readiness, and global networking through eight high-impact virtual training sessions.

The training content was developed in response to insights from KNCCI’s 2024 National SME Survey, where over 700 enterprises identified critical needs in online visibility, cross-border trade, international market access, and global partnership development.

Participants gained practical skills to help them thrive in today’s competitive business environment:

• Digital Marketing – Strategies to boost online visibility using SEO, Google Ads, social media, and email marketing.
• E-Commerce Transformation – Tools for cross-border trade, process automation, AR/VR integration, and data-driven advertising.
• International Business Development – Market intelligence, trade compliance, and leveraging frameworks like AfCFTA and AGOA.
• International Partner Search – Methods to identify credible global partners, build trust, and enhance professional branding.

A key element of the programme was the Train-the-Trainer (ToT) approach, now active across all 47 KNCCI chapters, ensuring long-term skills transfer at the grassroots level. Graduates will also continue to benefit from the Chamber Business Academy through mentorship, advanced resources, and trade facilitation services.

Twenty high-potential SMEs from the cohort will receive personalized coaching from industry experts to accelerate their international growth.

“The Chamber has grown over the past three years from being a mere trade support institution, which inspired us to start the Chamber Business Academy. Our goal is to continuously equip Kenyan SMEs—especially women and youth—with the tools, skills, and networks they need to thrive not just locally, but also regionally and globally. This programme is part of our commitment to fostering sustainable transformation for our members and the wider business community,” said KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto.

He noted that the training stems from the recognition that Kenya’s trade deficit—with imports currently standing at approximately KES 1.7 trillion—can be significantly reduced by producing locally. According to Chamber research, local companies have the capacity to produce goods worth up to KES 1 trillion that are currently imported. Dr. Rutto emphasized that the skills program will equip KNCCI members to tap into this opportunity and position themselves as exporters to international markets.

“This programme reflects KNCCI’s commitment to delivering practical, high-impact solutions for our SMEs. By equipping women and youth entrepreneurs with competitive skills, we are not only enhancing their capacity to thrive locally but also positioning them to seize opportunities in regional and global markets.” – KK Mutai, Acting Chief Executive Officer, KNCCI

Voices from the Graduates

• Faith Muchiri (Digital Marketing): “The things ive learnt in this training I wish I had that information before commencing with my export business. I can now identify international markets and partners better and reduce losses from non-payment.”
• Serah Kangethe (International Partnership): “I have learnt that in business you need to have structures and as a founder I needed to stop running everything by myself. I learnt that while having a manager may seem like a cost initislly it is an investment that allowed me to venture out and look for more business.”

About KNCCI
For over six decades, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been the leading voice of Kenyan business, representing over 15,000 members across all 47 counties and driving Kenya’s engagement in regional and global trade.

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Wednesday 6th August, the Ethiopian Embassy, in collaboration with KNCCI, hosted a high-level Investment & Trade Breakfast Meeting that brought together KNCCI members from strategic sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, energy, and pharmaceuticals. The engagement provided a platform to unpack Ethiopia’s evolving trade and investment landscape, while reinforcing bilateral commitments under the AfCFTA framework.

In his address, H.E. Ambassador Demeke Atnafu reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Kenya, highlighting ongoing reforms, WTO accession efforts, and the importance of activating the Kenya–Ethiopia Special Status Agreement.

KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized the need to unlock the trade potential between the two nations, noting that despite 2024 bilateral trade hitting USD 200 million, the figures remain far below potential, with opportunities in SME collaboration, industrial zones, agriculture, and tourism.

A detailed presentation outlined Ethiopia’s robust economic growth—7.1% in 2022/23—and projected GDP of USD 117 billion in 2025. Key insights included Ethiopia’s leading imports (aircraft, turbines, medicaments), and exports (coffee, nuts, electricity), as well as Kenya’s high potential to export products such as medicaments, iron & steel bars, and vegetable oils.

The recently signed MoU on a simplified trade regime at the Moyale border was highlighted as a game-changer for cross-border commerce.

The breakfast closed with a call to translate this momentum into tangible trade deals, investment ventures, and sector-focused partnerships.

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KNCCI officially launched its E-Commerce Trust Seal sensitization campaign in Mombasa County, engaging over 30 businesses in the digital space. The initiative aims to build trust, boost credibility, and enhance security in Kenya’s growing e-commerce sector.

Led by KNCCI ICT manager Ken Mwenda, the session introduced participants to the value of the Trust Seal, including how to acquire it, implement it effectively, and maintain its validity through regular renewals. The training was interactive and well received, with digital entrepreneurs raising key questions on legitimacy, cost, and technical support—all of which were addressed openly and constructively.

The team was honored to have KNCCI Mombasa County Chairperson, Poline Musiko, in attendance, who reaffirmed our commitment to empowering local businesses in the digital economy. The day wrapped up with a vibrant networking session that sparked new connections and collaborations.  The Trust Seal is more than a badge—it’s a signal of integrity, and a step forward for Kenya’s digital transformation.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), in collaboration with the Jiinue Growth Program (JGP), hosted a high-level engagement with the leadership of Elgeyo Marakwet County aimed at exploring transformative partnerships for economic development, trade facilitation, and industrialization.

The meeting, held at the KNCCI Headquarters in Nairobi, was chaired by Mr. Shadrack Kiprono, Vice Chair for Trade and Economics at KNCCI, and co-chaired by Ms. Esther Kimani, Program Manager for JGP. The session welcomed H.E. Prof. Grace Cheserek, Deputy Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet County, who led the county’s delegation in what proved to be a productive dialogue focused on catalyzing growth and investment.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Cheserek gave a compelling overview of Elgeyo Marakwet County, highlighting its natural resource wealth, including fertile soils, reliable rainfall, and crucial water catchment areas like the Cherang’any and Embobut forests. She underscored the county’s vast agricultural potential in crops such as avocado, peanuts, coffee, potatoes, mangoes, and honey.

To realize its development ambitions, the county is investing in value addition and industrialization, including the establishment of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) and the leasing of 100-acre industrial zones to private investors for agro-processing ventures.

In addition, Elgeyo Marakwet is positioning itself as a future leader in carbon credit trading due to its forest cover and agroforestry practices. The county also stands to benefit from economic spillovers as Eldoret grows into a major city, offering new opportunities in housing, leisure, and services.

A key highlight of the meeting was the upcoming Elgeyo Marakwet International Trade Expo & Summit, scheduled for December 8–9, 2025. Prof. Cheserek expressed full support for the event and called for a comprehensive presentation on JGP’s achievements and KNCCI’s ongoing programs.

The Deputy Governor lauded JGP’s achievements in supporting women and youth entrepreneurs but flagged concerns over low loan uptake, especially in remote areas. She recommended targeted outreach and the inclusion of larger enterprises for higher-value loans.

The county also intends to provide support to 600 youth recently graduated from TVET institutions, complementing support already extended to 200 youth through KCB Foundation.

In her presentation, Ms. Esther Kimani elaborated on JGP’s impact and strategic focus areas, such as:

• Policy collaboration for tax reliefs, simplified licensing, and business registration processes.
• Supportive ecosystems including child-care infrastructure and grassroots mobilization of women.
• Technology-driven market access through platforms like iSOKO, which links EMC farmers to regional markets.
• Success stories such as that of Doreen Gacheri, a livestock exporter from Samburu, who has used her business to empower women, ensure food security, and promote peace—all with KNCCI-JGP support.

To move the collaboration forward, several action points were agreed upon:

• Youth and Women Training Campaign: 10 JGP training sessions scheduled for August 2025.
• Specialized Business Workshops: Sessions on export readiness, product branding, licensing, and market access targeting 80 youth trained by the Central Bank.
• Business Networking Breakfast in Iten: An opportunity to showcase KNCCI membership benefits and promote business linkages.
• First Planning Meeting: Slated for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, to coordinate implementation.

The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening KNCCI’s engagement with devolved units and advancing JGP’s mission to empower MSMEs. Both KNCCI and the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government reaffirmed their commitment to a sustained partnership focused on unlocking economic potential through youth training, business incubation, and investment in value-added industries.

The collaboration highlights KNCCI’s ongoing role in championing inclusive economic growth, regional development, and public-private partnerships in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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The Dawoodi Bohra Community extended an invitation to KNCCI and its members to participate in a three-day International Business Expo, scheduled to run from 8th to 10th August 2025 at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The expo is expected to bring together over 250 investors from across the globe, providing a unique platform for Kenyan businesses to network, showcase their offerings, and explore investment and trade partnerships. The event will conclude with a high-level business seminar and networking session on Sunday, aimed at strengthening investor engagement and cross-sector collaboration.

A key highlight of the discussion was the Dawoodi Bohra Community’s commitment to affordable housing development, being spearheaded in partnership with Kings Development. The delegation emphasized their approach to promoting local industries and the Jua Kali sector by procuring raw materials and engaging local artisans in construction projects. This inclusive model not only supports community empowerment but also creates market opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Kenya.

Several economic sectors are set to benefit from this initiative, including real estate, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, health, food production, transport, tourism, and hospitality. The community is keen on leveraging the expo to connect investors to these sectors, while simultaneously enhancing visibility and access for local businesses.

In addition, discussions are underway to establish a strategic partnership between KNCCI and the Dawoodi Bohra Community focused on corporate social responsibility (CSR). The partnership would explore joint initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, skills development, and social impact projects within Kenyan communities.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen collaboration and ensure that KNCCI members are well-positioned to benefit from the upcoming expo and future joint programs.

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A key area of discussion was the need to improve logistics and transport systems between Kenya and South Sudan. Both parties acknowledged that high shipping and cross-border transport costs hinder trade efficiency. It was agreed that collaborative measures should be taken to reduce these costs and enhance the ease of doing business across borders.

The healthcare sector was highlighted as a priority, with South Sudan expressing an urgent need for access to affordable, quality medical supplies. Dr. Rutto emphasized that Kenya’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity could be a strategic source of medical products for South Sudan. Both sides welcomed the idea of boosting pharmaceutical trade and exploring potential partnerships in health-related investments.

To build stronger business linkages, a joint forum will be organized, bringing together 275 businesses from both countries. The forum will serve as a platform for networking, trade sensitization, and investment promotion. It will also address the trade imbalance that currently favors Kenya, particularly in sectors such as construction, where Kenya exports significant volumes of products and services to South Sudan.

Discussions also centered on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework to promote wholesale trade in goods and services. Emphasis was placed on harmonizing trade policies, removing trade barriers, and achieving economies of scale to boost regional competitiveness. Both parties agreed on the importance of aligning national strategies with AfCFTA goals to create a more stable and predictable trading environment.

Dr. Rutto underscored South Sudan’s immense potential in tourism, agriculture, and wholesale trade, urging Kenyan investors to take advantage of the untapped opportunities. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the security of investments, facilitating free movement of labor, and harmonizing product standards between the two countries.

Amb. Anthony louis Kon echoed the need for a more structured trade framework. He called for the urgent implementation of pending trade agreements, the creation of awareness among business communities, and the establishment of a South Sudan Chamber of Commerce office in Kenya. He further proposed the development of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on trade cooperation, which is currently under discussion between the two sides.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen trade relations, foster private sector engagement, and promote regional integration through practical and actionable steps. Both delegations expressed optimism about the future of Kenya–South Sudan trade and investment ties, built on shared vision, cooperation, and strategic alignment.

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