During the meeting, both teams explored multiple areas of synergy. KNCCI pledged to leverage its wide membership base—spanning county chapters, large corporates, and SMEs—to support Rubis in marketing its products and services to enterprises nationwide. The discussions also covered potential collaboration in sustainability initiatives, supply chain development, awareness campaigns, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes.

The delegation further examined strategies to improve Rubis’ engagement with women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in enterprise, in line with KNCCI’s commitment to inclusive economic development.

Rubis Energy Kenya Managing Director Mr. Oliviere Sabrie highlighted the company’s newest innovations across its 305 service stations, including:

• Full automation of service stations

• Real-time fuel card monitoring for employers

• RFID-enabled systems that prevent fuel theft by communicating directly with POS terminals

• Virtual fuel cards accessible through smart devices

• Biodiesel solutions supporting greener energy adoption

To move the partnership forward, KNCCI and Rubis agreed to establish a joint working group that will design and implement programmes targeting SMEs, county-based enterprises, and special interest groups in the coming days.

KNCCI looks forward to a transformative collaboration that advances innovation, sustainability, and business growth across Kenya.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) today hosted the European–Kenya Business Networks Dialogue on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) at Maa Hotel & Suites, Nairobi. The high-level forum brought together government officials, European Union representatives, development partners, business leaders, and private sector networks to advance conversations on ethical, sustainable, and competitive trade between Kenya and the European Union.

The dialogue was graced by the partners in the project including the State Department for Trade, officials from the European Union Delegation, representatives from the Embassy of Sweden and SIDA, the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR), and leaders from Kenya’s private sector.

Speaking at the event Dirk Hoffmann, Chief Advisor, Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) asked Kenyan companies to familiarize themselves with global developments with multiple countries currently developing their own legislative approaches to making human rights due diligence mandatory. He described the recent European Partnership Agreement deal which the European Union has termed the most ambitious new deal in terms o sustainability and human rights a hint of where future agreements will look like.

“As part of global value chains African businesses may face increasing requirements to demonstrate how they manage and communicate about human issues. We are happy that the Kenya National Action Plan includes a commitment to make human rights due diligence a mandatory part of licensing process through a revision of the company Act”

Representing the Ministry of Trade and Investment Director for Trade Simon Chelelgo said the government has enhanced engagement with firms especially those in the agricultural sector to ensure they abide with the new rules. He said the government is leading the way in compliance with the formulation of regulation and policies and the review of the Company Act is underway.

In his address, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized that responsible business conduct has become a global trade imperative. KNCCI highlighted that Kenya exports goods worth KSh 190 billion annually to the European Union, predominantly in coffee, tea, horticulture, and manufacturing hence with new developments such as the EU Green Deal and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), exporters must strengthen sustainability, traceability, and human rights standards to retain and grow market access.

Dr. Rutto also noted that competitiveness and sustainability are now inseparable, as 7 in 10 European consumers prefer ethically sourced products.

“Responsible Business Conduct is no longer a moral choice; it is a global requirement and a strategic necessity,” said Dr. Rutto. “With the EU shaping over €4 trillion in global trade through sustainability regulations, Kenyan businesses must integrate sustainability and human rights into their operations to remain globally competitive.”

Representing 47 county chambers and over 50,000 enterprises, KNCCI outlined ongoing efforts to embed responsible business principles across Kenya’s private sector. Through the pioneering Business and Human Rights (BHR) Programme, implemented with DIHR and funded by SIDA, KNCCI has:

• Trained 800+ enterprises on sustainability and due diligence.
• Conducted a Sector-Wide Impact Assessment (SWIA) for the coffee industry in 10 counties.
• Supported MSMEs to adopt responsible sourcing and traceability systems.

“These efforts not only empower our MSMEs but reinforce Kenya’s reputation as a reliable and responsible trade partner globally. Let us build a private sector that is globally competitive, ethically grounded, and sustainably driven. Together, we will ensure Kenya’s exports lead globally with integrity, innovation, and impact,” Dr. Rutto added.

The morning sessions featured expert insights on European legislative developments and their implications for international trade. Discussions explored the EU–Kenya Partnership Agreement, sustainability compliance, and practical models of corporate human rights due diligence.

While speaking on the recently signed Economic Partnership Agreement between Kenya and the European Union Filipo Amato said the new agreement stands out as the only such EPA with an African country where sustainable development takes center stage.

“The Economic Partnership Agreement between Kenya and the European Union is the most ambitious new deal in terms of sustainability and human rights.”

The forum also highlighted the importance of collaboration in navigating emerging global sustainability frameworks with the partners including:

• DIHR,
• EU Delegation, Embassy of Sweden, SIDA,
• UN Global Compact Network Kenya, and
• Leading private sector networks.

Collectively, these stakeholders are supporting businesses to understand EU requirements, adopt RBC practices, and explore new sustainable market opportunities.

In closing, investors were urged to embrace responsible, ethical, and sustainable business as the foundation of long-term trade growth.

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The program equipped trainers with practical knowledge and skills in key areas of today’s business environment, enabling them to transfer these competencies to women and youth entrepreneurs across Kenya.

“This project demonstrates the power of collaboration in transforming our entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Dr. Erick Rutto, KNCCI President. “By investing in trainers, we are investing in the future of women and youth who are essential to Kenya’s economic resilience and growth.”

The sessions, held throughout October 2025, covered: Digital Marketing, E-commerce, International Partner Search and Export Planning.

The Training for Trainers program was aimed to strengthen the capacity of professionals who will mentor and empower women and youth-led enterprises. The sessions focused on enhancing competitiveness, improving
market access, and promoting sustainable enterprise growth through practical skills in digital marketing, e-commerce, partner search, and export planning.

The project highlighted the importance of international partnerships in supporting local enterprise development.
By training trainers first, the project ensured a multiplier effect—knowledge and skills gained will be cascaded to
hundreds of women and youth entrepreneurs across counties in Kenya.

“This initiative strengthens our mission of bridging skills gaps and creating inclusive opportunities for all,” noted Mr. KK Mutai, KNCCI Chief Executive Officer. “The impact will be felt across communities as more women and young entrepreneurs embrace digital tools, global markets, and competitive business practices.”

This initiative reaffirms KNCCI’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth by equipping underrepresented groups
with tools to thrive in a modern, digital-driven economy.

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At TRIFIC, they received an overview of the centre’s role as a service-driven platform that supports investors through advisory, trade facilitation, and business-support services.

The discussion also covered Kenya’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), highlighting incentives such as reduced corporate tax, zero-rated VAT and import duty exemptions, all of which attract regional and international investors.

The delegation toured TRIFIC Tower, exploring its modern infrastructure, designed to foster enterprise growth and investor engagement.

They then visited Tatu City, Kenya’s first fully operational SEZ — a 5,000-acre mixed-use development combining residential, industrial, and commercial zones.

During their visit, they:
* Attended a presentation on the Tatu City SEZ, which detailed the available incentives (e.g., 10% corporate tax for the first 10 years, 15% thereafter, import-duty exemptions, and zero-rated VAT).
* Toured the industrial park, where light manufacturing companies such as Dormans, Davis & Shirtliff, and others operate.
* Visited, a newly completed warehousing and park within Tatu City that targets SMEs and offers SEZ benefits.
* Explored residential areas, including high-density housing such as Unity Homes, as well as more premium neighbourhoods like Kijani Ridge.

Overall, the visit underscored Tatu City’s model as a “live, work, and play” development that leverages SEZ incentives to drive industrial growth, urban living, and foreign direct investment.

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The MOU was signed by Mr. K.K. Mutai, Acting CEO of KNCCI, and Advocate Christopher Mugaga, CEO of ZNCC, and witnessed by Mr. K.K. Mutavi, KNCCI National Director, Mrs. Josephine Takundwa, Deputy President of ZNCC and during the Kenya–Zimbabwe Investment and Trade Mission held in Nairobi.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr. K.K. Mutai, , described the partnership as a new chapter in advancing sustainable trade and investment between the two nations.

He expressed gratitude to ZNCC for its partnership and Pan-African spirit, noting that policy, partnerships, and productivity are the three key pillars for sustainable economic growth across the continent.

Mr. Mutai highlighted that:

• Policy ensures an enabling business environment. KNCCI and ZNCC will jointly advocate for reforms that simplify trade, remove barriers, and enhance competitiveness.
• Partnerships build bridges of prosperity. The MOU formalizes collaboration between Kenyan and Zimbabwean enterprises, paving the way for joint ventures, market access, and enterprise exchange.
• Productivity drives tangible progress through innovation, efficiency, and job creation

“This MOU cements our joint commitment to enhance trade and investment. It provides a framework for business missions, investment forums, and knowledge sharing between our chambers,” he stated.

He reaffirmed KNCCI’s full commitment to implementing the agreement through future trade missions, exhibitions, and business exchange programmes that will deliver measurable results.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), successfully hosted the Kenya–Zimbabwe Investment and Trade Mission in Nairobi under the theme “Unlocking Business Potential through Policy, Partnerships, and Productivity.”

The high-level engagement brought together government officials, business leaders, and investors from both nations to explore practical avenues for expanding bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

KNCCI National Director Joseph Mutavi who represented Chamber Preesident Dr Eric Rutto, underscored the Chamber’s commitment to fostering private-sector-driven partnerships that would lead to tangible business outcomes, particularly in agro-processing, manufacturing, and technology transfer. Mr. Mutavi lamented on the sad state of trade between the two nations, noting that between 2022 and 2024, Kenya–Zimbabwe trade averaged only USD 39 million annually—representing just 0.25% of their global trade volumes. Kenya exported USD 22.1 million worth of goods, mainly value-added products, while importing USD 16.9 million, mostly raw tobacco and sugar.

He observed that while Kenya’s exports to Zimbabwe are diversified and value-added, Zimbabwe’s exports remain concentrated in raw commodities.

“Africa will not industrialize by exporting raw materials to each other. We must collaborate on value addition,” he asserted.

Mr. Mutavi called on both sides to use this trade mission as a launch-pad for industrial partnerships that bring stability, predictability, and growth to the bilateral relationship.

In his remarks during the opening session, Advocate Christopher Mugaga, CEO of ZNCC, highlighted the long-standing relations between the two countries and called for strengthened collaboration to unlock Africa’s collective potential through trade and industrial linkages. Mrs. ZNCC Deputy President, also noted that the mission was timely as both economies seek to diversify exports, deepen value addition, and benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The second session focused on identifying key investment and trade opportunities between Kenya and Zimbabwe. Presentations were made by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), and ZimTrade, who unpacked opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, ICT, and tourism.

Speakers from both KNCCI and ZNCC emphasized the need to shift from exporting raw materials to producing and trading in value-added goods.

“For Zimbabwe, this means moving up the value chain by leveraging Kenya’s agro-processing expertise, while for Kenya, it means tapping into Zimbabwe’s mineral and industrial potential to support manufacturing and infrastructure growth,” said Fatma Bashir, Head of Trade department at KNCCI

In his closing remarks, KNCCI Ag CEO Mr. K.K. Mutai called for a paradigm shift, urging both sides to focus on value addition, industrial linkages, and technology integration. He underscored that the AfCFTA presents a transformative framework for deepening this partnership—through eliminating tariff barriers, harmonizing standards, and fostering integrated regional value chains.

The afternoon sessions were dedicated to sector-specific B2B matchmaking, facilitated jointly by KNCCI and ZNCC. Participants explored concrete partnership opportunities in agro-processing, industrial manufacturing, logistics, and technology transfer.

The Kenya–Zimbabwe Investment and Trade Mission reaffirmed the shared vision of both countries to harness policy, partnerships, and productivity as catalysts for industrial transformation.

KNCCI and ZNCC leaders agreed on the need to institutionalize business exchanges, promote joint ventures, and facilitate regular trade missions under the AfCFTA framework to sustain momentum.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) today successfully hosted the Kenya–Saudi Arabia Business Forum in Nairobi, bringing together business leaders, investors, and policymakers from both countries to explore new opportunities for trade and investment.

The forum provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the two nations, with over 28 companies from Saudi Arabia and more than 30 Kenyan enterprises participating in the Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions designed to foster meaningful partnerships across key sectors including agribusiness, energy, manufacturing, logistics, and financial services.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Chamber leadership, KNCCI National Director for North Eastern Hussein Jama, representing Vice President Mr. Mustafa Ramadhan, reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to deepening economic ties between the two countries. He noted that the Chamber, which represents over 50,000 businesses across Kenya, stands ready to facilitate credible partnerships, policy linkages, and regulatory support for Saudi investors exploring the Kenyan and East African markets.

“Kenya and Saudi Arabia share a vision for economic transformation through investment, innovation, and trade diversification,” he said. “Our bilateral trade currently stands at approximately USD 1.2 billion annually, but this forum marks the beginning of a stronger, broader collaboration that will unlock new opportunities for both nations.”

KNCCI National Director and Head of Economic Diplomacy, Ms. Cynthia Nyawira in her opening remarks emphasized the importance of leveraging the B2B sessions to forge strong, mutually beneficial relationships.

“Today’s engagement is more than just networking—it is a gateway to transformative partnerships. We encourage both Kenyan and Saudi enterprises to identify synergies, form joint ventures, and explore new avenues for trade and investment that advance our shared prosperity,” she said.

The Saudi delegation featured key speakers who underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding its investment footprint in Africa under the Vision 2030 framework. Among them were representatives from leading Saudi government institutions and private sector organizations who highlighted opportunities in food security, renewable energy, manufacturing, and technology transfer.

Participants expressed optimism that the B2B engagements would yield tangible outcomes, including joint ventures, distribution partnerships, and increased exports of Kenyan goods such as  and leather products to the Saudi market.

The forum also spotlighted Kenya’s position as a strategic gateway to regional markets within COMESA, the East African Community (EAC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — offering Saudi investors access to over 600 million consumers across Africa.

In closing, Ms. Nyawira commended both delegations for their active participation and reaffirmed KNCCI’s readiness to continue facilitating trade and investment dialogues that advance Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) while supporting Saudi Arabia’s diversification goals under Vision 2030.

The Kenya–Saudi Arabia Business Forum was a resounding success, setting the stage for a new era of trade, investment, and partnership between Nairobi and Riyadh.

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Rockcheck Group, under the leadership of its President, Ms Catherine Junting Zhang, has committed to working closely with Sumseron Coffee Limited, led by its CEO, Mr John Seroney, to elevate Kenya’s coffee sector through investment in value addition, premium branding, sustainable sourcing and farmer empowerment. The partnership will support over 30,000 farmers across 21 cooperatives, introducing advanced technology and innovation to enhance productivity and improve traceability. Additionally, the collaboration envisions unique social impact projects, including youth engagement through a coffee-and-basketball initiative that merges enterprise development with community upliftment.

This cooperation reflects the deepening trade ties between Kenya and China. Kenya’s exports to China have surpassed USD 200 million in recent years, buoyed by the growing demand for high-quality Kenyan coffee, tea, avocados, nuts, and other agro-based commodities.

KNCCI extends heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Lynette Mwende Ndile, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Beijing, for her critical diplomatic support in facilitating Kenya trade and investment agenda in China. We also recognize the presence of Mr. Luthando Vuba, Head of Standard Group at Stanbic Bank, and his team for their unwavering support in unlocking financial and trade access for African businesses.

In his remarks during the Expo, Mr. Fredrick Mukilya, Chief Representative of the KNCCI China Office, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to building long-term, structured trade relationships between Kenyan SMEs and the Chinese market. He noted, “The Sumseron–Rockcheck partnership sets the tone for future cross-border value chain collaborations, where Kenyan SMEs and cooperatives can work with credible Chinese partners in agriculture, manufacturing, services and technology. KNCCI will continue to champion structured engagement and support our members with real market entry pathways, including certifications, packaging compliance, and joint ventures that bring jobs, exports, and value to Kenya.”

KNCCI commends the participation of its members in securing lasting market access and partners at the 8th CIIE, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), led by Mr Geoffrey Muriira Karau, for championing the Kenya standard quality agenda.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) is proud to announce the successful completion of Phase 2 of the Study Tour on Small Commodity Market Construction for Developing Countries, held from November 1–6, 2025, in China. KNCCI is also represented by Alice Wanjiku – Director Nairobi Chapter,  Andrew Laekono – Chair Samburu Chapter and Laura Kandie – Director Elgeyo Marakwet Chapter while the membership is represented by Michael Omino – DTB Bank and Leon Mbugua – Game Stream Ltd.

The program was hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and organized by Zhejiang Normal University.

Representing Kenya with distinction, KNCCI Women in Business Chairlady Ms. Zainab Mohammed served as the Team Leader of the Kenya Delegation, which joined participants from nine other developing countries for an immersive six-day program. The study tour provided a unique opportunity to explore China’s dynamic small commodity market ecosystem, digital trade innovations, and manufacturing excellence.

A Learning Journey Across China’s Innovation Hubs

The field program connected four major Chinese cities — Yiwu, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Jinyun, and Yongkang — each showcasing a different dimension of China’s trade and industrial success.

• In Yiwu, often called the World’s Supermarket, participants examined how China transformed small commodities into a global business. Through lectures and site visits, delegates explored digital market management systems, multilingual trade services, and cross-border e-commerce strategies that power Yiwu’s international success.
• In Hangzhou, the delegation gained insights into the integration of education, culture, and digital innovation. Visits to Wansong Academy and Dream Town provided exposure to cutting-edge technologies such as AR (augmented reality) in trade promotion and data-driven decision-making tools like the Yiwu Index.
• In Shanghai, participants experienced the intersection of creativity, culture, and commerce. Discussions focused on how China is commercializing intangible cultural heritage to empower rural economies — lessons that can inspire local artisans and women-led enterprises in Kenya.
• In Jinyun and Yongkang, delegates visited advanced manufacturing enterprises and engaged in trade roundtables with local industry and commerce federations. The conversations opened pathways for future economic partnerships and technology transfer between Kenya and China.

Kenya’s Representation and Achievements

As Team Leader, Ms. Zainab played a pivotal role in representing Kenya’s private sector and promoting the interests of Kenyan SMEs, women entrepreneurs, and manufacturers. She highlighted Kenya’s growing potential in small-scale manufacturing, creative industries, and cross-border e-commerce, emphasizing the importance of market linkages, innovation, and value addition.

Speaking at the closing session, Ms. Zainab expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Commerce of China and Zhejiang Normal University for facilitating knowledge exchange among developing countries. She noted that the lessons learned from China’s small-commodity market model will be cascaded to KNCCI members through capacity-building forums and knowledge-sharing sessions.

“This study tour was more than just a learning experience — it was an eye-opener on how innovation, structure, and strong market linkages can transform small enterprises into global players. KNCCI will ensure that these lessons translate into actionable programs for our members, especially women in business and SMEs,” said Ms. Zainab.

Cascading the Lessons to KNCCI Members

KNCCI, through its Women in Business Committee, plans to roll out targeted training and mentorship programs inspired by the insights gained from the study tour. These will include:

• Workshops on market access and trade logistics for small-scale traders and manufacturers.
• Digital commerce training to enhance online marketing and export readiness among SMEs.
• Cultural and creative enterprise development sessions to help local artisans commercialize heritage products sustainably.
• Partnership forums to explore trade opportunities with Chinese enterprises and other developing countries represented in the seminar.

By adapting China’s practical experiences to Kenya’s business landscape, KNCCI aims to strengthen local value chains, improve competitiveness, and enhance members’ participation in international trade.

Towards Global Cooperation and Inclusive Growth

The Seminar on Small Commodity Market Construction for Developing Countries underscored the value of openness, collaboration, and shared learning among nations. For KNCCI, this partnership marks another milestone in advancing South–South cooperation and fostering inclusive trade development.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has signed a landmark partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support the growth and competitiveness of women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs) in Kenya. The partnership was formalized during the launch of the SHE GROWS Programme in Nairobi.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Erick Rutto, President of KNCCI, and Marieme Niang, Africa Regional Gender Lead at IFC. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing inclusive economic growth by addressing systemic barriers that limit women entrepreneurs’ participation in the economy.

The SHE GROWS Programme, implemented under IFC’s Gender and Economic Inclusion Department (GEID), aims to unlock access to finance for women-owned businesses with an annual turnover of at least one million US dollars while strengthening their governance, operational capacity, and investment readiness.

Through this partnership, IFC will provide technical advisory support, capacity building, and mentorship to women-led SMEs, while KNCCI will mobilize participants, facilitate stakeholder engagements, and amplify programme visibility through its extensive national network.

The collaboration will:

• Equip women-led enterprises with the skills and tools needed to scale operations.
• Facilitate access to finance and investment opportunities, targeting over USD 50 million in mobilized capital.
• Support at least 50 WSMEs through tailored business advisory and diagnostic services.
• Create or sustain over 5,000 jobs, with a focus on women and youth.

Speaking at the signing, Dr. Erick Rutto noted,

“This partnership reflects KNCCI’s commitment to ensuring that women are not just participants but drivers of Kenya’s economic transformation. By combining IFC’s technical expertise with KNCCI’s business networks, we are creating a pathway for sustainable growth and empowerment.”

Marieme Niang added,

“IFC is proud to collaborate with KNCCI to advance gender-inclusive growth in Kenya. The SHE GROWS initiative will strengthen women entrepreneurs’ ability to access finance, attract investment, and integrate into regional and global value chains.”

Other than just in Kenya, IFC plans to pilot a similar project in Mozambique.

The partnership is a testament to the shared vision by KNCCI and IFC to foster inclusive prosperity by empowering women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, contribute to job creation, and drive Kenya’s long-term economic development.

— END —

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