KNCCI

Kenya and UAE Formalize Joint Business Council at State House Nairobi

KNCCI Comms — Mon, 12 May 2025 07:34:36 +0000

Nairobi, Kenya – May 8, 2025

A major step forward for Kenya–UAE relations!
KNCCI, led by President Dr. Erick Rutto, proudly participated in a high-level engagement at State House Nairobi, where H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing of seven MoUs between Kenya and the UAE.

Key Highlight:
The formal establishment of the UAE–Kenya Joint Business Council (UKEJBC)—a strategic initiative between KNCCI and the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Council Objectives:

Deepen private sector collaboration
Unlock trade & investment opportunities
Advise both governments on policy to support economic ties

The Council will feature key industry reps from both nations and hold annual meetings, alternating between Kenya and the UAE. It will especially support Kenyan MSMEs, boost exports, and drive investment in infrastructure, energy, and logistics.

President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to private sector-led growth, regional peace, and the delivery of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.

The broader MoUs also span military, economic, energy, transport, customs, and railway development—signaling a deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.

KNCCI remains focused on building global partnerships that power inclusive growth and competitiveness for Kenyan businesses.

#KNCCI #UAEKenya #TradeAndInvestment #BilateralRelations #PrivateSectorGrowth #CEPA #AfricaTrade #MSMEs #UKEJBC #EconomicPartnership #GlobalBusiness

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Turning Challenges into Opportunities

KNCCI Comms — Mon, 12 May 2025 07:00:34 +0000

Honored to have KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto as the keynote speaker at an engaging cocktail event hosted by our patron member Stanbic Bank. Themed “Turning Challenges into Opportunities,” the evening brought together business leaders committed to driving economic transformation across Kenya and beyond.

With a footprint in all 47 counties, KNCCI continues to support businesses through:
Market Linkages
Business Advocacy
Trade Facilitation
Training & Capacity Building
Business Verification & Accreditation
Dispute Resolution
Access to Finance

Recent Wins We’re Proud Of:

Over Ksh 800 million in exports facilitated via the KNCCI China Office
Successful trade missions to Zambia, China, and Ghana
Deepening ties with the World Chambers Federation (WCF) and expanding our global chamber network

KNCCI remains committed to empowering businesses—big and small—to grow, connect, and compete globally.

#KNCCI #TradeFacilitation #AfricaRising #BusinessGrowth #PublicPrivateDialogue #AfCFTA #StanbicBank #WCF #GlobalTrade #KenyaBusiness

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30th Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) — Kenya & Burundi Strengthen Bilateral Ties 🇰🇪🇧🇮

KNCCI Comms — Thu, 01 May 2025 09:23:46 +0000

The 30th JPCC between the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of Burundi successfully concluded on 30 April 2025, underscoring both nations’ commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across strategic sectors.

The final day featured high-level diplomatic and economic engagements, including the formal adoption of Agreed Minutes by ministers and senior officials from both delegations. These minutes reflected consensus on areas such as trade, infrastructure, education, and regional integration.

A key milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between:

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), represented by President Dr. Erick Rutto and Director Ms. Cynthia Nyawira, and
The Burundi Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented by President Hon. Olivier Suguru.

The MoU aims to enhance private sector collaboration, promote cross-border investment, and strengthen commercial ties between the two nations.

The delegations jointly issued a Joint Communiqué, reaffirming mutual commitment to shared development goals.

Closing remarks were delivered by:

H.E. Albert Shingiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of Burundi
H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya

The event concluded with the exchange of official gifts, the playing of both national anthems, and a photo session symbolizing unity and friendship.

This 30th JPCC marks a significant step forward in Kenya–Burundi relations, translating diplomatic goodwill into tangible actions that will benefit citizens, businesses, and the region at large.

#JPCC30 #KenyaBurundiRelations #DiplomacyInAction #RegionalIntegration #TradeAndDevelopment #EastAfricaCooperation

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Fairtrade Africa Champions Fair and Sustainable Trade at #WCFAfricaSummit2025 Hosted

KNCCI Comms — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:40:13 +0000

At the World Chambers Federation Summit, organized by the International Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Madeline Muga, our Strategy & Impact Director, joined a high-level panel on advancing sustainable trade.

Her message was clear and powerful:

Trade must be rooted in fairness—so that value doesn’t just move, it stays and grows where it’s needed most.

At Fairtrade Africa, we’re committed to turning that vision into reality through bold, people-centered action:

Fair pricing & market access
We support producer organizations to earn the Fairtrade Minimum Price and Premium—funds they reinvest into community-led projects in health, education, and infrastructure.

Strong producer organisations
We help build resilient cooperatives that offer access to finance, strengthen bargaining power, and ensure equitable decision-making—especially for women and youth.

Climate-smart, sustainable farming
We champion agroecological practices like intercropping and composting to protect yields, livelihoods, and the planet.

Policy & partnerships
We collaborate with key platforms including AfCFTA and the African Union to shape trade systems that work for smallholder farmers.

Value addition at origin
Through our New Product Development (NPD) project, we support producers in creating high-quality, value-added products—roasted coffee, teas, chocolate, Shea cosmetics—that can thrive in both African and global markets.

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Day 1 of the World Chambers Federation Africa Summit 2025 was nothing short of inspiring.

KNCCI Comms — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:28:37 +0000

Hosted under the banner of #WCFAfricaSummit2025, the day brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore how intra-African trade, innovation, and strategic global partnerships can accelerate the continent’s growth trajectory.

One of the standout moments was the keynote address by Yu Jianlong, Secretary General of the China Chamber of International Commerce, who delivered powerful insights on “Perspectives from China–Africa Cooperation.” He emphasized the evolving China–Africa relationship, anchored in trade, investment, technology transfer, and shared prosperity.

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WCFAfrica Conversations Are Heating Up

KNCCI Comms — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:24:13 +0000

The highly anticipated Summit is in full swing, and key business leaders are stepping into the spotlight.

From transformative ideas to bold collaborations, Africa’s economic narrative is being redefined—right here, right now. The energy is electric , the momentum is unstoppable, and the message is clear:

The future is African.

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WCF Africa Summit 2025 Officially Opened by President William Ruto

KNCCI Comms — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:19:58 +0000

The WCF Africa Summit 2025 was officially opened by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, CGH, President of the Republic of Kenya.

In his keynote address, President Ruto hailed the Summit as a defining milestone—a bold affirmation of Africa’s rising global influence. He underscored Kenya’s role as a strategic gateway to the continent and a thriving hub for business and investment.

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Women in Trade Panel Session Brief

KNCCI Comms — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:53:30 +0000

The Women in Trade panel was a dynamic and insightful session that focused on empowering women entrepreneurs, enhancing access to finance, and enabling market expansion. The session was officially opened with remarks by Elizabeth Wasuna of ABSA Bank, setting a strong foundation for discussions on inclusive economic participation.

The panel was skillfully moderated by Rose Rono, Founder of Trade Smart Consult, and featured a diverse lineup of influential speakers and leaders from across the globe.

Laure Paugam, Executive Director of the French Chamber of Commerce in Kenya, emphasized the critical need to improve access to finance for women in business. She also highlighted initiatives by the French Chamber such as the Women in Business Club, which offers market intelligence, mentorship programs, and support networks to women entrepreneurs. Laure also announced the launch of a new Euro Chamber, which aims to advocate for policies that support women in trade and promote equitable participation in international markets.

Zainab discussed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), sharing key insights and practical examples that demonstrate how women entrepreneurs can leverage the agreement to expand into new regional markets.

Marie-Christine Oghly, First Vice Chair of the World Chambers Federation (WCF), expressed concern over the underrepresentation of women in earlier summit sessions and proposed the establishment of a Women’s Council within the WCF. She announced that elections for this council will be held soon and encouraged women to vie for leadership roles within their respective chambers of commerce. Marie-Christine emphasized the importance of mentorship, private sector partnerships—particularly with banks—and capacity building through programs like Isoko and TradeMark Africa.

Rim Siam, President of the Economic Business Women Council at the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, echoed the significance of capacity building. She stressed the importance of equipping women with practical tools, such as contract drafting skills and knowledge of global trading systems, to expand their businesses internationally.

Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development in Kenya, recognized the significant role women play in the MSME sector. She highlighted several government initiatives including:

•The Private-Public Sector MSME Dialogue Platform, co-chaired by representatives from both sectors;

•The launch of inter-governmental dialogues to streamline business licensing;

•An upcoming national MSME survey to provide updated data;

•The Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Hustler Fund, which are enabling MSMEs—49% of whom are women—to build creditworthiness without relying on traditional collateral. The Hustler Fund is accessible via *254#.

The session concluded with a resounding call to action: to continue investing in women through targeted programs, partnerships, and policy frameworks that unlock their full economic potential across local, regional, and international markets.

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KNCCI SIGNS MOU with the Chinese delegation from Hunan to enhance trade cooperation between KNCCI Msmes and Hunan

KNCCI Comms — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:35:15 +0000

The meeting between KNCCI and the Chinese delegation, specifically from Hunan Province, focused on strengthening bilateral trade and industrial cooperation. Both parties acknowledged the great progress made so far and committed to deepening collaboration, particularly in textile, agriculture, logistics, and technology transfer. The establishment of a trade platform through CCPIT aims to facilitate smoother exchanges between Kenya and Hunan, with emphasis on lowering transport costs for flowers, fresh produce, and other exports via air and sea. Kenya expressed interest in importing affordable industrial equipment and gaining technical expertise in processing technologies to boost local manufacturing and global exports. Furthermore, upcoming events like the World Cooperation Forum and the June China-Africa Expo were highlighted as key opportunities for engagement.

To support local enterprises, the meeting proposed training MSMEs in China on agro-processing and technology, with financing options through partner banks. There was also discussion on the need for policy reforms in Kenya, including foreign exchange controls and market regulation, to foster a conducive business environment. The cooperation between KNCCI and Hunan was noted as a strategic move to promote regional development, particularly in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Eldoret. The discussions reflected mutual respect and a shared commitment to tangible outcomes, ensuring that the partnership remains relevant, inclusive, and impactful for both countries.

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KNCCI Signs MoU with Cape Media to Enhance MSMEs Development

KNCCI Comms — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:27:38 +0000

(KNCCI), led by Chamber President Dr. Erick Rutto, signed a strategic MoU with Cape Media — the powerhouse behind TV47 and Radio47 led by its CEO, Mwenda Njoka.

This collaboration is a bold step toward amplifying MSME voices, driving economic empowerment, and supporting local innovation.

The partnership will spotlight 5 MSMEs weekly on TV 47’s “The Grind”, Radio 47, and digital platforms, showcasing Kenyan entrepreneurship in all 47 counties.

Cape Media will also provide full coverage of the WCF Africa Summit 2025.

Also present at the signing: Cynthia Nyawira – KNCCI Director, Kihara Njuguna – KNCCI Company Secretary, and, Stephen Osedo – KNCCI Head of Counties & MSMEs.

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