KNCCI’s Trust Seal and the MSME Opportunity
In her remarks, Director Muchoki set out KNCCI practical role in building transparency, credibility and security within Kenya’s growing e-commerce sector. She presented the Chamber’s e-commerce trust seal a digitally verifiable mark issued to businesses that meet KNCCI verification requirements designed to help customers distinguish verified sellers from unknown or potentially fraudulent online traders, with particular relevance for MSMEs engaged in digital and cross-border trade.

Trust as Economic Infrastructure
Grounding the discussion in data, she cited the 2025 Barometer, which found that 72% of Kenyans trust business, compared with 38% who trust government and 76% who trust NGOs. She framed this as both a mandate and a responsibility for the private sector to use that confidence constructively in support of investment, employment, innovation and economic development.

Regional Trade and Digital Trust
On regional integration, Director Muchoki noted that frameworks such as the East African Community, COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area create opportunity, but agreements alone do not generate trade businesses must trust their partners, investors must trust the regulatory environment, and traders must be confident that rules will be implemented and goods can move efficiently across borders.

On digital trust, she cited Barometer data showing that 67% of Kenyans trust artificial intelligence, while 80% are concerned that government leaders intentionally mislead the public. She also flagged that 46% of Kenyans approve of hostile activism as a means of driving change a signal, she said, that institutions must listen and engage meaningfully before grievances undermine social and economic stability.

Inclusion and Partnership
On inclusion, she argued that trust must translate into practical access to finance, procurement opportunities, markets and business networks for MSMEs, women and youth entrepreneurs. Addressing this, she said, cannot be done by any single actor it requires government, corporates, investors, development partners, technology companies, academia and entrepreneurs working together, with KNCCI’s role being to convene these stakeholders around practical solutions.

Beyond Agreement: Converting Trust into Economic Value
Director Lucy emphasized on that trust matters is not enough. She pressed the room to go further to name what needs to change, identify who must act, and define how progress will be measured. Her question anchored the day’s discussion: “How do we convert trust into economic value?”

She used the platform to unveil a landmark moment for the Chamber as KNCCI marks 60 years since its founding, it will host the Africa commerce and industry summit projected to draw more than 5,000 private-sector participants from Kenya and abroad.

Government Representation: Trust as the Foundation of Investment
Dr. Korir Sing’oei, Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign Affairs, was represented by Mr. Ibrahim Mustafa, Deputy Director General and Head of the Policy, Research and Strategic Analysis Directorate, Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, who stood in as Chief Guest.

Mr. Mustafa framed trust as central to investment decisions, regulatory compliance, access to finance and long-term competitiveness, quoting Nobel laureate Kenneth Arrow’s observation that commercial transactions inherently carry an element of trust. He confirmed that Kenya will host the Global Trust Summit 2026 in Nairobi from 21 to 23 October, under the theme “Reviving Trust: Building Blocks for a Stronger Global Order,” convening governments, business, development partners, academia and civil society, in line with Kenya’s Fifth Open Government Partnership National Action Plan and the outcomes of the 2024 Summit of the Future.

He outlined reciprocal responsibilities between government and the private sector government providing a stable policy environment, credible procurement, fair competition and predictable tax administration, and the private sector upholding corporate governance, ethical leadership and consumer trust. He also highlighted regional integration under the EAC, COMESA and AfCFTA a market of more than 1.4 billion consumers and noted Kenya’s current chairmanship of COMESA ahead of the upcoming COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit.

On digital risks, he flagged the persistence of online fraud and the misuse of artificial intelligence to create false identities and manipulate data, calling for stronger investment in secure digital systems and cybersecurity. He cited the National Infrastructure Fund’s mobilization of USD 1 billion in investment as a practical example of trust translating into economic value, and closed by reaffirming the State Department’s commitment to forging robust institutional partnerships with the private sector.

Other Opening Remarks
• Daniel Wanjohi Ndirangu, CEO of the Institute of Public Finance, who welcomed participants on behalf of the co-convening secretariat.
• Mathias Kamp, Country Director, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Kenya Office, who spoke to KAS’s partnership in convening the roundtable and the wider Summit.
• Eng. James N. Mwangi, Board Member of KEPSA, who represented the Kenya Private Sector Alliance.
Josephine Wawira, Head of Corporate Communications, KEPSA, served as Master of Ceremony throughout the session.

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KNCCI and COG Sign Landmark Strategic Partnership to Drive MSME Growth, Data Digitization, and County-Led Economic Development

NAIROBI, KENYA – August 13, 2026 – The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the Council of Governors (CoG) have signed a transformative five-year Memorandum of Understanding (2026–2031) to strengthen Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), harmonize trade regulations, and accelerate economic development across all 47 counties.

The strategic agreement establishes a unified framework between county leadership and the private sector. Built around seven strategic pillars, the MoU prioritizes MSME capacity building, policy enhancement, county trade promotion, innovation hubs, and operational support for County Aggregation & Industrial Parks (CAIPs).

MSMEs account for approximately 98% of businesses and 86% of jobs in Kenya, while contributing nearly 40% to the national GDP. Despite their economic importance, enterprises continue to face hurdles in regulatory compliance, predictability, and access to growth capital.

The KNCCI-COG partnership seeks to resolve these bottlenecks. KNCCI will lead MSME capability programs, export-readiness training, market scans, and investor mobilization. Concurrently, CoG will coordinate county governments to harmonize local business licensing, supported by frameworks like the County Licensing Uniform Procedures Act, 2024, and simplify fee structures.

Key Quotes from Leadership

Dr. Erick Rutto, President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), highlighted the urgent need for data-driven policymaking and digitization to support MSMEs:

“To truly unlock the potential of our enterprise sector, Kenya urgently needs a comprehensive National Digitization Strategy focused on acquiring accurate, real-time data on MSMEs. We must clearly track their growth trajectories, exact contributions to GDP, and overall impact on employment creation across all 47 counties. High-quality data is the foundation of effective policy—without it, we cannot design targeted interventions, streamline county licensing, or unlock affordable financing. This partnership with the Council of Governors is a pivotal step toward building structured, digital-first policy environments that nurture MSME growth from the grassroots up.”

Delivering remarks on behalf of H.E. Dr. Moses Badilisha (Chairperson, CoG Trade and Cooperatives Committee), Dr. Katra Ali, Director of Health at the Council of Governors, noted:

“Trade development and regulation is a devolved function, placing County Governments at the forefront of creating an enabling environment for businesses to operate and grow. This is particularly important for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, which remain central to employment creation, livelihoods, and local economic development. We look forward to a renewed partnership anchored on regular engagement, practical interventions, and shared accountability to move beyond the MoU signing and deliver tangible results for MSMEs and investors across Kenya.”

Mr. KK Mutai, Chief Executive Officer of KNCCI, underscored operationalization and execution:

“This agreement transitions our collaboration from policy discussion into concrete, measurable action. By combining KNCCI’s enterprise support initiatives with county administrative structures, we are creating transparent market linkages, unlocking investment opportunities in County Industrial Parks, and providing Kenyan businesses with the operational stability needed to expand.”

To ensure accountability and practical implementation, the partnership incorporates:

• Joint Steering Committee & Technical Working Group: Overseeing execution, closing action points, and aligning annual workplans.
• Bi-Annual & Quarterly M&E Reviews: Utilizing structured scorecards and performance dashboards to track MSMEs trained, policies reviewed, and investments mobilized across counties.
• Resource Mobilization & Market Linkages: Direct alignment of sector activities—including market scans, trade fairs, and innovation hubs—with target county investment priority profiles

Meanwhile, on the upcoming Africa Chamber Investment Summit the Council affirmed full support for the event this October, with counties committing to participate in the summit including supporting MSMEs to participate as delegates and exhibitors.

###

Media Contacts:

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI)

Media & Public Relations Desk

Email: media@kenyachamber.or.ke Tel: +254-724684368

Nairobi, Kenya

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) today hosted its monthly New Members Induction Breakfast at the KNCCI Boardroom, bringing together newly onboarded members for an engaging introduction to the Chamber and its services.

The initiative provides an opportunity for KNCCI to understand members’ needs, connect them with relevant teams and services, and build meaningful relationships that support their business growth.

We are delighted to welcome our new members on board and look forward to supporting their businesses through networking, advocacy, trade opportunities, business development and other KNCCI services.

This month’s new members included representatives from Globeline Travel Limited, Biopharma Limited, ATP Investments, Loju Global, Building Materials Association of Kenya, Eni Natural EPZ Kenya, Sagana, Biriq & Muganda Advocates, Youthplus Ltd ,Chill Zone Logistics and KiliMax.

Welcome to the KNCCI family — together, we grow businesses, strengthen partnerships and drive Kenya’s economic growth.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) participated in the East Africa (Kenya) Fashion Life Show 2026, starting today 13 to 15 August 2026 at the Sarit Expo Centre, with National Director Mr. Ken Onditi, MBS, representing the Chamber.

In his remarks, Mr. Onditi highlighted KNCCI’s commitment to promoting trade, investment, innovation and stronger commercial ties between Kenya, China and the wider East African region. He highlighted the exhibition as an important platform connecting manufacturers, exporters, distributors, investors and buyers while facilitating business-to-business engagements, technology transfer and access to regional and international markets.

The National Director also recognized KNCCI member companies exhibiting at the show, noting that their participation reflects the diversity, resilience, innovation and competitiveness of Kenya’s private sector. He encouraged buyers and investors to engage with the Kenya Pavilion and explore opportunities for partnerships, trade and investment.

Mr. Onditi reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to strengthening regional value chains, promoting exports and positioning Kenya as a preferred investment and trading hub in Africa. He further called on exhibitors to leverage the exhibition to build strategic partnerships and expand their businesses beyond borders.

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NAIROBI, KENYA – July 30, 2026: The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has officially launched the Africa Commerce & Industry Summit (ACIS) 2026, a premier continental platform designed to drive deal-level transactions, unlock strategic investment, and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Scheduled to take place from 14th to 16th October 2026 at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument & Museum in Nairobi, Kenya, the flagship summit will be held under the theme “Driving Africa’s Next Era of Trade”. ACIS 2026 also coincides with KNCCI’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, marking six decades of economic leadership and enterprise development since its founding in 1965.

The three-day summit will gather more than 5,000 delegates from over 50 countries, bringing together Heads of State, government representatives, chamber presidents, global CEOs, development finance institutions, and over 100 investors actively seeking African growth opportunities. The summit features 350+ exhibitors across 12 high-growth sector pavilions including ICT & Digital Economy, Agribusiness, Financial Services, Green Technologies, and Manufacturing.

Speaking during the media launch in Nairobi, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized that ACIS 2026 is engineered to address the practical bottlenecks inhibiting cross-border business and trade integration.

“Africa’s next chapter is being written now, and there is a seat in this room for everyone prepared to help write it,” said Dr. Rutto. “While the AfCFTA has established a US$3.4 trillion single market across 1.5 billion people, intra-African trade remains disproportionately low compared to global peers. ACIS 2026 is timed to convert macro policy momentum into deal-level activity. This summit goes beyond conversations into transactions—providing private Deal Rooms, curated B2B matchmaking, and dedicated investment forums built to connect capital directly with scalable growth enterprises.”

Underlining the economic imperative, Dr. Rutto noted that intra-African trade is projected to rise by 6.6% annually, adding an extra US$261.4 billion to continental GDP by 2028 and raising trade’s overall output share to 16.5%.

KNCCI Vice President Mr. Mustafa Ramadhan highlighted the core mission of inclusivity behind the summit, ensuring that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), youth-led innovators, and women-owned businesses take center stage.

“Businesses across the continent face real operational questions: How do we enter new markets? Where do we find reliable partners and investors? How do we export across borders?” noted Mr. Ramadhan. “ACIS 2026 is a marketplace built to provide practical solutions to these challenges. Across Africa, opportunities exist in abundance, and in the words of Eliud Kipchoge, ‘No Business is Limited.’ We are creating an environment where African-led businesses can build trust, find distributors, and trade together seamlessly.”

Highlighting the operational architecture of the event, KNCCI Chief Executive Officer Mr. KK Mutai stated that the summit is curated to yield immediate commercial results.

“Our ambition for ACIS 2026 is straightforward: when participants leave Nairobi this October, they should leave with more than conference materials and business cards—they should leave with signed purchase orders, executed contracts, and binding investment deals in hand,” stated Mr. Mutai. “Whether connecting to equity funds, pitching to global buyers, or exploring public-private dialogues, every hour of ACIS 2026 is structured for maximum economic return.”

END

ABOUT THE KENYA NATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (KNCCI)

Established in 1965, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) is the premier umbrella body for the private sector in Kenya. Celebrating 60 years of advancing trade and industry, KNCCI represents thousands of businesses across all 47 counties, advocating for a favorable commercial environment, driving SME capacity development, and facilitating international trade partnerships.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kamau Mbote

Communication Lead

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)

Phone: +254 72468368 Email: media@kenyachamber.or.ke /

Website: http://www.kenyachamber.or.ke/ acis2026.kenyachamber.or.ke

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President, Dr. Erick Rutto, today hosted a business delegation from China’s Jiangsu Province led by Mr. Wang Shanhua, President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Jiangsu Sub-council and the Jiangsu Chamber of International Commerce. The delegation paid a courtesy call to the Chamber to explore opportunities for increasing trade and investment between Kenya and Jiangsu Province.

Dr Rutto was flanked by Richard Ndung’u, Chairman, Asia & China Committee and Chair Sylvanus Abungu KNCCI Busia.

The delegation brought together companies from a wide range of sectors, including textiles, logistics, engineering, exhibitions and events, battery manufacturing, e-mobility, and mechanical equipment manufacturing.

During the meeting, discussions focused on how KNCCI can support Chinese companies looking to establish manufacturing operations in Kenya. The Chamber highlighted Kenya’s strategic location as a gateway to East and Central Africa and the investment opportunities available through government incentives such as the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs).

A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a distribution agreement between Changzhou Yaochun Gerui Textiles Co., Ltd, represented by its Chairman, Mr. Li Xiaochun, and StarFits Collection, represented by its CEO, Mr. Dan Miano. The agreement covers the distribution of blankets, home textiles and carpets, creating a stable overseas supply chain partnership and strengthening trade links between the two countries.

The KNCCI reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating business partnerships, promoting investment, and creating opportunities that enhance trade between Kenya and China.

The meeting was also attended by Ms. Wu Wenwen, Director of the International Liaison Department at CCPIT Jiangsu Sub-council; Mr. Wang Yang, Director of the Legal Affairs Department; Mr. Qian Baoquan, Director of the Trade Promotion Department; Mr. Liu Lei, Fourth-level Researcher in the Trade Promotion Department; Mr. Zhang Yuxuan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Jiangsu Chamber of International Commerce; Mr. Zhu Wenqun, Chairman of Lianyungang Ningyuan International Logistics Co., Ltd.; Mr. Li Xiaochun, Chairman of Changzhou Yaochun Gerui Textiles Co., Ltd.; Mr. Si Hang, General Manager of Jiangsu Wanshang International Exhibition Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Zhuang Changbiao, Deputy General Manager of Jiangsu Amalfi Mechanical Equipment Co., Ltd.

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The delegation was received by KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto alongside Richard Ndung’u, Chairperson of the KNCCI Kenya–China (Asia) Committee. The meeting focused on identifying practical opportunities to increase Kenyan exports to the Chinese market while deepening commercial partnerships between businesses from the two countries.

A key area of discussion was the immense potential for expanding exports of Kenyan agricultural products to China. The two sides explored opportunities to increase market access for premium Kenyan commodities including tea, coffee, macadamia nuts, avocados, and other high-value agricultural produce, leveraging China’s growing consumer market and demand for quality food products.

The meeting also highlighted opportunities in Kenya’s mining sector, with particular interest expressed in the country’s manganese resources. Discussions centred on fostering partnerships that would promote responsible investment, value addition, and sustainable development within the mining industry.

Speaking during the meeting, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to facilitating international trade by connecting Kenyan businesses with global markets and creating strategic partnerships that unlock new opportunities for local enterprises.

“China remains one of Kenya’s most important trading partners. KNCCI is committed to supporting initiatives that increase Kenyan exports, diversify our export basket, and create sustainable market linkages for our businesses. By strengthening partnerships with Chinese investors and buyers, we can unlock greater opportunities for our farmers, manufacturers, and mining sector players while contributing to Kenya’s economic growth.”

Richard Ndung’u, Chairperson of the KNCCI Kenya–China (Asia) Committee, emphasized the Committee’s role in facilitating business-to-business engagements and promoting mutually beneficial trade relations between the two countries. He noted that sustained dialogue and collaboration would help address market access challenges while opening new avenues for investment and technology transfer.

The Chinese delegation was led by Zhang Jie, Team Leader from the Hehehui Cultural Exchange Center, and comprised senior executives from leading Chinese companies representing manufacturing, food technology, industrial development, technology, education, and investment sectors.

The delegation included:

• Ji Rongzhong, Chairman, Beijing Wumu Garment Co., Ltd.
• Lin Zhikuan, General Manager, Zhangzhou Zhongmiao Food Technology Co., Ltd.
• Yang Herong, Chairman, Zhongzhe Holding Group Co., Ltd.
• Yang Mingwei, Chairman, Anhui Houcheng Technology Co., Ltd.
• Cizhongcaiyuan, Chairman, Tibet Cidelin Industrial Development Co., Ltd.
• Zhang Xiumei, Deputy General Manager, Tibet Cidelin Industrial Development Co., Ltd.
• Yang Yuliang, Chairman, Zunyi Jianguo Senior High School Co., Ltd.

The engagement forms part of KNCCI’s broader strategy to strengthen economic diplomacy and promote Kenya as a preferred trade and investment destination. Through such strategic engagements, the Chamber continues to create platforms that connect Kenyan businesses with international markets, facilitate investment partnerships, and enhance bilateral trade between Kenya and China.

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Local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) must urgently transition from reactive crisis management to proactive risk mitigation if they are to survive an increasingly complex regulatory landscape and unlock critical formal funding. This was the central call to action during an exclusive, high-profile business forum organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) in partnership with AAR Insurance at a Nairobi Hotel. Addressing over 100 selected SME owners, directors, and corporate leaders, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto revealed that while entrepreneurial optimism is currently at an all-time high, heavy regulatory friction continues to stunt the growth and scaling of small enterprises.

According to the latest KNCCI Annual Business Barometer, an overwhelming 86.2 percent of businesses expect improved performance in the coming year, which represents a historic surge from the 65 percent recorded last year. However, translating this collective optimism into sustainable corporate wealth remains a steep climb for many. Dr. Rutto pointed out that Kenyan businesses are currently drowning in bureaucratic red tape, navigating over 540 licenses and permits issued across 61 distinct regulatory bodies. This administrative duplication devours an estimated 30 percent to 50 percent of an average MSME’s resources in compliance costs alone. Compounding this issue is a worrying structural gap: while the fear of heavy non-compliance penalties is exceptionally high, actual corporate compliance preparedness among local businesses remains dangerously low.

To counter this administrative chokehold, KNCCI has submitted a comprehensive memorandum on the County Licensing (Uniform Procedures) Act, 2024. The Chamber is actively lobbying the government for a single-payment framework, a national digital licensing window with QR verification, and the mutual recognition of licenses across counties to offer real financial relief. Additionally, KNCCI is pushing for the swift enactment of the Prompt Payment Bill to release between KES 600 billion and KES 650 billion currently locked up in unpaid pending bills, which continues to starve local businesses of critical operational liquidity.

Speaking on corporate vulnerability and resilience, AAR Group Head of Distribution James Kamau highlighted that Kenya’s overall insurance penetration remains critically low, contributing KES 420 billion but representing just 2.5 percent of the national GDP. Of the Kenyan population, only 3 million citizens are covered by private insurance, while 30 million are under the Social Health Insurance Fund. Because of this, business risk management is no longer a corporate luxury but a basic survival tool.

To protect MSMEs from emerging threats, AAR Insurance CEO Justine Kosgei announced a strategic shift in how the insurer interacts with small businesses. As the country’s largest insurer of SMEs, AAR is deploying an ecosystem framework rather than simply selling traditional policies. This framework functions as a one-stop sandbox solution designed to help SMEs manage complex administrative and risk-heavy departments, such as legal compliance, tax audits, employment disputes, and licensing, which they otherwise lack the internal capacity to run. This approach safeguards operational liquidity against modern threats like cyber risks, climate change disruptions, and sudden employee healthcare costs.

The forum also highlighted a major missed opportunity in regional trade. Despite MSMEs representing over 98 percent of registered businesses and employing 15 million Kenyans, they contribute only about 30 percent of the country’s GDP. Data from the KNCCI Barometer reveals that 70 percent of Kenyan businesses do not export, yet businesses that actively participate in cross-border trade outperform domestic-only players by 12.7 percentage points.

To help local players scale internationally, Dr. Rutto urged members to utilize KNCCI’s active networks to access markets within the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area. The Chamber also invited local entrepreneurs to the upcoming Africa Commerce and Industry Summit in October 2026, which is expected to bring over 5,000 global investors from 50 countries to Nairobi to unlock the continent’s untapped potential.

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In a landmark achievement for the Kenyan agricultural sector, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has successfully partnered with government ministries and private exporters to flag off the first shipment of green coffee beans bound for Italy.

The initial consignment of 20 containers was exported by SumSeron Coffee, a proud KNCCI corporate member. The historic dispatch to the Port of Trieste is the culmination of rigorous, multi-lateral lobbying and trade advocacy between the Kenyan Government, KNCCI, and the Italian Government. The beans were safely processed and dispatched from the state-of-the-art facilities of Mitchell Cotts Kenya Ltd, represented by their management team.

Speaking at the send-off ceremony, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto celebrated the breakthrough as a direct victory for collaborative trade diplomacy:

“This milestone is incredibly fulfilling. Opening up the Italian market, the third-largest consumer of coffee in Europe with a market value of KES 500 Billion, proves that when public and private entities align, we unlock historic value. In this first shipment alone, premium Kenyan coffee is fetching upwards of USD 9.50 per kilogram.”

This entry into the Italian market serves as a strategic gateway into the wider European Union market, currently valued at over KES 6 Trillion. Dr. Rutto highlighted that securing these premium, high-value avenues will catalyze Kenya’s national production goals, accelerating the target of reaching 150,000 Metric Tons (MT) by 2029 from the current output of 50,000 MT.

He further noted that KNCCI is actively targeting additional markets across Central and Eastern Europe to diversify export portfolios and buffer local farmers against regional price volatility.

To ensure Kenyan exporters can maintain consistent, long-term access to highly regulated markets like the EU, KNCCI is driving key structural reforms at the grassroots level:

• Capacity Building: KNCCI has successfully trained 200 local cooperatives on Business Human Rights, focusing strictly on fair compensation, market compliance, and building premium brand equity.

• Risk Mitigation: The Chamber has published a comprehensive Sector-Wide Impact Assessment (SWIA) focused entirely on the coffee value chain. This assessment outlines actionable steps to mitigate labor, environmental, and human rights risks, directly aligning local farming processes with global supply chain standards.

The flagging-off event was highly attended by senior government representatives, signaling strong state support for the expansion of agricultural trade.

Patrick Kiburi Kilemi, CBS, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cooperatives, stated that the ongoing expansion into new territories is a direct outcome of structured state investments:

“Beyond policy frameworks, the government is continuously working to clear historical coffee debts owed to farmers. This will relieve financial pressure at the grassroots level and encourage fresh, robust investments back into the sector.”

Regina Ombam, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Trade, attributed the trade breakthrough to aggressive, targeted marketing and high-level showcasing of Kenyan products abroad. She noted that this Italian export comes just months after a dedicated trade mission to Italy.

“We are highly determined to expand market access. We’ve already witnessed successful bilateral exchanges with countries like South Korea, and we are incredibly optimistic that the Kazakhstan market will open up for our exporters very soon.”

Also present at the high-profile ceremony was a distinguished delegation of stakeholders spanning the private sector, financial institutions, development partners, and key regulatory bodies. The event also saw active participation from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Coffee Directorate, and Hon. Brighton Yegon (Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock). Critical financial and development backing was represented by teams from Stanbic Bank, Co-operative Bank, and Absa Bank, alongside key grassroots and institutional allies including Elizabeth Mbithi (MCDU), Martin Malila (Machakos Cooperative Union), Lewis Momanyi (Strathmore Business School’s Institute of Small Business Initiatives), Ms. Isabella Tenai (E4Impact East Africa), and Mr. Mario Brataj (Italian Agency for Development Cooperation – AICS).

This successful export is a shining example of KNCCI’s active commitment to championing its members’ growth, securing competitive global prices, and positioning Kenyan products at the forefront of the international market.

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The forum brought together government representatives, business associations, private enterprises, overseas chamber representatives and professional service institutions, with more than 180 participants engaging in policy exchange, business experience sharing, B2B matchmaking and cooperation signing.
Dr. Rutto noted that Hunan is a strong industrial and commercial partner for Kenya, with the province GDP reaching approximately RMB 5.53 trillion in 2025. He emphasized that Hunan strengths in manufacturing, engineering, e-commerce, medical technology, renewable energy and industrial supply chains align closely with Kenya development priorities.

He positioned Kenya as a strategic gateway for Hunan enterprises entering East Africa and the wider African market. Kenya economy grew by 4.6% in 2025, with GDP estimated at approximately RMB 910 billion, supported by a strong private sector that drives investment, exports, employment and innovation.
Dr. Rutto further highlighted Kenya growing appeal as an investment destination, noting that foreign direct investment into Kenya surpassed USD 2 billion in 2025, reflecting rising investor confidence in the country reform agenda, regional market access and strategic sectors.

On trade, Dr. Rutto emphasized that Kenya–China cooperation must now move toward stronger export growth, value addition and industrial partnerships. With China granting 98.2% of Kenyan exports duty-free access, Kenya has a major opportunity to expand exports of tea, coffee, avocados, macadamia, hides and skins, textiles and processed foods. Kenya tea and coffee exports to China grew by 8.8% year-on-year in 2025, reaching USD 24.46 million.

The engagement also reflected KNCCI long-standing cooperation with Hunan under the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo framework, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council, the CCPIT Hunan Sub-Council, and other Hunan partners. Changsha also hosts KNCCI first overseas office, established in December 2023, which has supported more than 900 Kenyan business leaders in exploring trade, manufacturing, technology transfer and investment opportunities in Hunan.

The B2B session focused on practical opportunities in construction equipment, biomedical manufacturing, electric mobility, e-commerce, renewable energy, agriculture value addition, mining machinery, ICT and technical training.

Following the forum, Dr. Rutto led KNCCI engagements during a company visit and meeting at Hunan Shenyi Precision Parts Incorporated Company. The visit concluded with the signing of a Consulting Service Contract between Shenyi and the Hunan Representative Office of KNCCI, aimed at supporting Shenyi Kenya market entry through market information, enterprise matching, business linkages, Kenya visit arrangements and local resource connections.

Dr. Rutto also engaged representatives of Hunan International Trade Group on potential investment interests in Kenya, including land and real estate-related opportunities, subject to further policy guidance, due diligence and engagement with relevant Kenyan authorities.

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