The Kenya–Kazakhstan Business Forum marked a major milestone in strengthening economic ties between the two countries, with the event being graced by the President of Kenya, William Ruto, and the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, alongside senior government officials and business leaders from both nations.

During the forum, KNCCI Vice President  delivered a keynote address highlighting the untapped trade potential between Kenya and Kazakhstan. He noted that the current trade relationship remains largely “one product, one direction,” with Kenyan tea dominating exports to Kazakhstan, and called for a broader and more balanced trade basket between the two countries.

He emphasized the need to deepen commercial cooperation by increasing the presence of Kazakhstan products in the Kenyan market, particularly fertilizer to support Kenya’s agricultural sector, while also encouraging direct importation of Kenyan flowers and fresh produce from Kenya.

The forum also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between KNCCI and the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan, aimed at enhancing business collaboration, facilitating trade missions, promoting investment opportunities, and strengthening private sector partnerships between East Africa and Central Asia.

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15^th May 2026, Nairobi, Kenya. The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) expresses concern over the latest fuel price increase announced by EPRA for the period 15  May to 14 June 2026 pricing cycle.

In Nairobi, Super Petrol has increased by KSh 16.65 to KSh 214.25 per litre, while Diesel has risen sharply by KSh 46.29 to KSh 242.92 per litre. Kerosene remains unchanged at KSh 152.78 per litre.

The sharp rise in diesel is particularly concerning because diesel is the backbone of transport, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, construction, and general trade. Any increase in diesel prices quickly feeds into the cost of moving goods, producing essential commodities, and delivering services across the economy.

KNCCI acknowledges that current fuel price pressures are partly driven by global oil market disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, the April–May comparison shows that while global crude oil prices increased by about 10.7%, Kenya’s diesel price rose by 23.5% over the same period. This points to the continued role of domestic cost buildup, including taxes, levies, exchange-rate effects, margins and landed product costs.

April–May Fuel Price Movement

Since January, Petrol has increased by 17.4%, while Diesel has increased by 42.5%. This confirms that the current fuel shock is diesel-led and will have direct consequences for the cost of living, cost of production, and competitiveness of Kenyan businesses.

KNCCI notes that Kenya remains a relatively high-cost fuel market compared to regional peers such as Uganda and Tanzania. This weakens Kenya’s competitiveness in logistics, manufacturing, cross-border trade, and investment attraction.

Regional Fuel Price Comparison

Regional prices show that Kenya remains one of the higher-cost fuel markets among selected East and Horn of Africa peers.

The comparison shows that Kenya’s diesel price is materially higher than key regional competitors, including Uganda and Tanzania.

The global crude oil shock is real: crude prices are now roughly 41%–51% above pre-conflict levels. However, the April–May comparison shows that while crude oil rose by about 6.8% between USD 100.19 and USD 107.00, Kenya’s diesel price rose by 23.5% over the same pricing cycle. This reinforces KNCCI’s position that domestic cost build-up—including taxes, levies, landed product costs, exchange rate effects and margins—continues to amplify the impact on businesses and households.

The latest increase is expected to:

• Raise transport and logistics costs by 10%–20%;
• Push up food and consumer goods prices by 3%–7%;
• Increase manufacturing and farm distribution costs by 5%–12%;
• Squeeze MSME cashflows and profit margins by 5%–15%;
• Weaken Kenya’s regional trade competitiveness, especially against lower-cost fuel markets.

KNCCI Recommendations

• KNCCI calls on Government to urgently adopt practical cushioning measures:
• Fuel taxation: Review and rationalize fuel taxes and levies, especially on diesel.
• Stabilization: Strengthen transparent fuel price stabilization mechanisms.
• Price transparency: Publish a clear fuel price build-up in every review cycle.
• MSME support: Provide targeted relief for fuel-intensive MSMEs.
• Logistics efficiency: Reduce port, storage, transport, and distribution inefficiencies.
• Competitiveness: Protect Kenya’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
• Diversification to African Producers: Kenya must pivot its supply markets toward African oil-producing nations to leverage shorter shipping routes and continental trade agreements.
• Regional Refining Capacity: The Chamber lauds the recent announcement by the Dangote Group regarding new refinery investments. We urge the government to fast-track plans for a modern local refinery to reduce our total reliance on expensive refined imports.

The current fuel increase is not just an energy issue; it is an economy-wide shock. KNCCI urges Government to move with urgency to cushion households, protect businesses, and reduce domestic cost drivers that amplify global fuel shocks.

KNCCI remains committed to working with Government, EPRA, National Treasury, transporters, manufacturers, traders, and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions that protect livelihoods, sustain enterprise growth, and strengthen Kenya’s economic resilience.

ENDS

By Dr Erick Rutto, Chamber President

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The discussions centered on creating a structured framework for inter-chamber collaboration. The MCCCI, established as a partnership of enterprises and associations across all sectors of the Malawian economy, plays a pivotal role in representing the private sector in Lilongwe. By aligning with KNCCI, both organizations aim to bridge the information gap for SMEs and large-scale investors alike.

Bilateral trade between Kenya and Malawi has shown consistent growth, with the total value reaching approximately $74 million (Ksh 9.7 billion) annually.

• Kenya’s Exports to Malawi: Valued at approximately $56.2 million, led by packaged medicaments ($12M), sanitary products ($8.56M), and soaps.

• Malawi’s Exports to Kenya: Valued at approximately $17.9 million, dominated by soybean meal ($7.21M), groundnuts ($5.83M), and maize seeds.

Vice President Ramadhan Mustafa highlighted that the “DARAJA” pathway, a strategy of moving from convention to structured corridors, is essential for the Kenya-Malawi partnership. Beyond traditional agriculture, the chambers are eyeing:

• Mining: Unlocking Malawi’s promising limestone and coal resources through Kenyan industrial expertise.

• Manufacturing: Encouraging Kenyan firms, which already operate in Malawi’s food processing and IT sectors, to expand their footprint.

• Value Addition: Collaborative ventures where raw materials from Malawi’s SME base undergo processing in Kenya’s advanced manufacturing zones for re-export.

The meeting concluded with a firm commitment to establishing a joint business desk and organizing reciprocal trade missions. As both nations leverage the COMTRADE framework and regional trade blocs, the goal remains clear: to transform bilateral intent into bankable joint ventures that benefit the youth and business communities of both Nairobi and Lilongwe.

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The President of the Departmental Council of Mayotte H.E Ben Issa Ousseni and the Mayor of Mamoudzou Ambdilwahedou Soumaïla have signaled a significant pivot toward Kenya, favoring the nation over traditional trading partners like Madagascar and Mozambique. This preference is rooted in:

• Strong Cultural and Educational Ties: Many Mahorais youth are currently pursuing their studies in Kenya, creating a foundation of mutual understanding.
• Infrastructure Synergy: Kenya has been heavily involved in shipbuilding efforts to assist Mayotte’s recovery following recent cyclones.
• Connectivity: The two territories are linked by four to five direct flights weekly between Nairobi and Dzaoudzi, a weekly maritime service between Mombasa and Longoni, and a submarine cable.
• Policy Shifts: The repeal of regulations forbidding trade with Africa has cleared the path for Kenya to become a primary partner.

H.E Ben Issa Ousseni particularly highlighted the agricultural sector stands as the most “immediate and bankable” opportunity for both nations.

• Kenya as the Producer: Kenyan exporters are positioned to supply a vast range of goods, including cassava and bananas.
• The Meat Trade: While Mayotte currently works with Madagascar for meat, Kenya is now positioned to supply halal-certified meat and poultry.
• Contract Farming & Value Addition: A unique model is proposed where Kenya is contracted to produce agricultural goods while Mayotte focuses on value-adding processes.
• Market Access: Under the Kenya–EU Economic Partnership Agreement, Kenyan goods enjoy duty-free and quota-free access to Mayotte, which serves as a strategic gateway into the wider European single market.

Beyond goods he said Mayotte has made a specific call for labor migration, particularly seeking skilled professionals in the c. As Mayotte modernizes its public infrastructure including a multi-billion-euro pipeline for new hospitals and schools Kenyan expertise is viewed as a vital component of this growth.

To ensure these opportunities transition from dialogue to reality, Vice President Mustafa Ramadhan called for:

Permanent Business Desk: A joint desk with the Mayotte Chamber (CCIM) to host importer/exporter rosters and provide a single channel for trade enquiries and ensure importers and exporters get standardization Support. This is special important with focus on helping Kenyan firms meet strict EU phytosanitary standards to ensure seamless entry into the Mahorais market.

Further, Mayotte has called on Kenya to play a part in regional integration: Kenya has been urged to participate in the Interreg VI Mozambique Channel Operational Programme, further embedding the country into the Indian Ocean’s cooperation architecture.

“As Mayotte embarks on a massive reconstruction phase, Kenya is no longer just a neighbor, but a primary partner in building a resilient, circular, and highly integrated regional economy,” H.E Ben Issa Ousseni said

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Dr. Rutto highlighted Kenya’s strengths as a regional commercial and logistics hub with strong capabilities in fintech, ICT, agribusiness, renewable energy, logistics and aviation, while positioning Namibia as a strategic investment destination with competitive advantages in mining, energy, tourism, fisheries, livestock and logistics through the Port of Walvis Bay.

The Chamber President noted that current trade volumes between Kenya and Namibia remain below their true economic potential, but emphasized that this presents a major opportunity for growth under the AfCFTA framework. He cited Kenyan enterprises such as Kenya Airways, Safaricom, Equity Group Holdings and Centum Investment Company as examples of Kenyan businesses increasingly expanding their footprint across the continent.

Dr. Rutto further identified key areas for bilateral collaboration including agribusiness, food processing, renewable energy, digital trade, tourism, logistics, mining support services and SME partnerships, emphasizing that Kenya offers Namibia access into East Africa while Namibia provides Kenya with a strategic gateway into Southern Africa and the wider SADC market.

He concluded by urging African private sector leaders to transform relationships into transactions, discussions into investments and opportunities into sustainable enterprises, noting that “the future of Africa will be built not through aid, but through African trade, African investment and African enterprise.”

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The relationship between KNCCI and CCPIT Guangzhou is rooted in a history of institutional support. In November 2023, CCPIT Guangzhou made a significant gesture of collaboration by offering KNCCI a satellite office in Guangzhou, including two years of rent assistance. This office serves as a dedicated platform for showcasing Kenyan products to the Chinese market. Building on this foundation, the two chambers signed an additional MoU at State House in March 2026 to scale exports under China’s new zero-tariff policy for African nations.

Current trade between Kenya and the industrial powerhouse of Guangzhou stands at approximately Ksh 3 billion. Most notably, the trade volume has witnessed a significant growth of 20%, highlighting a robust appetite for cross-border commerce.

To capitalize on this momentum, discussions focused on three priority sectors:

• Agri-food: Enhancing the export of high-value Kenyan products including coffee, avocado, and tea.

• Healthcare and Industrial Goods: Creating partnerships for the supply and local assembly of medical equipment and plastics.

• Regional Hub Status: KNCCI emphasized Kenya’s strategic position as the leading business hub in East Africa, offering Chinese investors a gateway to the wider regional market.

During the meeting, the KNCCI President presented the KNCCI Industrial Park project, an ambitious manufacturing initiative. The project seeks investors to develop a centralized industrial park comprising 10 specialized factories. This initiative is designed to boost Kenya’s domestic manufacturing capacity, create thousands of jobs, and position the country as a regional center for industrialization.

In a major announcement for the Kenyan business community, the delegation revealed that a segment of the Canton Fair will be held in Nairobi. Traditionally held in phases in Guangzhou during April and May, the decision to bring this world-renowned trade exhibition to Kenya marks a historic shift in trade promotion. This move will allow Kenyan importers and exporters to engage directly with global suppliers and manufacturers without leaving the country.

The signing of the new MOU between CCPIT Guangzhou and KNCCI marks a “from intent to execution” milestone. By combining Kenya’s strategic regional location with Guangzhou’s industrial expertise, both organizations are set to unlock a new era of prosperity that transcends traditional trade and moves toward shared industrial growth.

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The meeting, hosted by KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto, focused on unlocking new opportunities for businesses from both countries, enhancing market access, promoting investment partnerships, and strengthening enterprise capacity building through institutional collaboration.

According to recent trade data, bilateral trade between Kenya and France continues to grow steadily, with total trade volumes estimated at over KSh 30 billion annually. France remains one of Kenya’s key trading partners within the European Union, with Kenyan exports to France largely comprising tea, coffee, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and horticultural products, while France exports machinery, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment, and technology solutions to Kenya.

Speaking during the meeting, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized the need for stronger private sector collaboration to unlock trade potential between the two countries.

“KNCCI is keen on expanding opportunities for Kenyan businesses through enhanced market access, investment linkages, and strategic capacity building. We see immense value in collaborating with CCI France in areas such as market intelligence, business advisory services, policy support, joint trade missions, and enterprise development initiatives that can help businesses scale regionally and globally,” said Dr. Rutto.

Dr. Rutto further noted that Kenya continues to position itself as a strategic gateway to Africa, offering investors access to regional markets through the East African Community (EAC), COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

On his part, CCI France President Alain Di Crescenzo highlighted Kenya’s strategic importance as a business and innovation hub for French investors seeking opportunities in Africa.

“France possesses strong expertise in energy, education, manufacturing, and industrial innovation, all of which present significant opportunities for collaboration with Kenyan businesses. Kenya offers an excellent base for investment into Africa and global markets, while France provides a premium market for high-quality Kenyan products including coffee, tea, and horticulture products, especially where value addition is incorporated,” said Alain Di Crescenzo.

The discussions also explored future collaboration in business education and enterprise capacity development through the Chamber Business Academy in partnership with CCI France.

CCI France is internationally recognized for its extensive business education and training ecosystem, which supports thousands of enterprises annually across Europe and Africa. Through its training institutions and enterprise support programs, CCI France provides customized on-site training for teams and individuals in management, marketing, sales, human resources, entrepreneurship support, and sector-specific capacity building. The network trains and supports more than 500,000 learners, entrepreneurs, and business professionals annually through executive education, vocational programs, leadership development, and enterprise acceleration initiatives.

The two chambers agreed to formalize their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will provide a framework for joint programs in trade facilitation, investment promotion, enterprise support, and capacity development.

Also present during the meeting were KNCCI National Director for Economic Diplomacy Cynthia Kamau, National Director for Partnerships Lucy Muchoki, and members of KNCCI senior management.

The CCI France delegation is currently in Kenya to participate in the Africa Forward Summit taking place in Nairobi, co-hosted by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya, and H.E. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.

The summit aims to showcase Africa’s innovation capacity while reaffirming a shared commitment between Africa and France to develop mutually beneficial partnerships grounded in effective multilateralism, sustainable investment, and transformative economic cooperation.

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The KRCS delegation, led by Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idris and Head of Partnerships and External Stakeholder Management Elizabeth Osodo, was received by KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto and KNCCI CEO KK Mutai. The discussions focused on how KNCCI can support the Kenya Red Cross in strengthening and regularizing some of its business-oriented and youth empowerment initiatives that complement its humanitarian mandate.

While widely recognized for its leadership in disaster response and emergency management, KRC highlighted its growing role in socio-economic empowerment across communities in Kenya. The organization outlined several ongoing initiatives aimed at equipping young people and vulnerable communities with entrepreneurial and employability skills.

Among the highlighted programmes is a coastal empowerment initiative supporting fisher communities through access to affordable credit under a microfinance model established by KRC. The organization is also implementing programmes which prepare youth for workplace integration through skills development and training at the Kenya Red Cross Training Institute. Additionally, KRC continues to contribute to hospitality sector training through its wholly owned Boma Hotels.

Speaking during the meeting, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto underscored the need for stronger collaboration between businesses and humanitarian organizations, noting that the private sector plays a critical role in building resilient communities and supporting disaster response initiatives through corporate social responsibility and strategic partnerships.

Dr. Rutto further challenged KRC to work closely with the Chamber in enhancing workplace preparedness and business continuity by expanding first aid and emergency response training for enterprises across the country.

“Humanitarian organizations and the private sector must work together in creating resilient communities and sustainable economic opportunities. Businesses have a major role to play not only in economic growth but also in supporting emergency response and community empowerment initiatives,” said Dr. Rutto.

In response, KNCCI CEO KK Mutai briefed the KRC team on several Chamber-led programmes that offer strong synergy opportunities. These include the Jiinue Growth Programme (JGP), the Skills for Youth and Women in Kenya Project, and the upcoming Nyota Project, all of which are focused on strengthening entrepreneurship, business skills development, and financial inclusion among youth and women.

He also highlighted KNCCI’s ongoing efforts to empower entrepreneurs through access to finance, loan guarantee mechanisms, and enterprise support under initiatives such as the Jiinue Growth Programme and the Climate Smart Dairy Project implemented in partnership with the Africa Guarantee Fund.

The two organizations agreed to establish joint technical working groups to fast-track the identification and implementation of collaborative programmes that will deliver greater impact to communities through training, financial empowerment, entrepreneurship development, and emergency preparedness.

The engagement marks an important step towards fostering stronger partnerships between humanitarian institutions and the private sector in advancing inclusive economic development and community resilience in Kenya.

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During the meeting, KNCCI Chief Executive Officer, Mr. KK Mutai, delivered his remarks highlighting the importance of strengthening partnerships with KIPPRA, particularly in undertaking joint evidence-based research and supporting the dissemination of KIPPRA’s research findings to KNCCI members across all 47 counties. He noted that collaboration between the two organizations presents a unique opportunity to bridge research-driven policy recommendations with real business experiences from the private sector.

Key Areas of Collaboration discussed included:
1. Joint Evidence-Based Research
2. Dissemination of KIPPRA Research.
3. Co-Development of the Annual State of the Business Environment in Kenya
(Business Barometer Reports)
4. Co-Hosting National and County-Level Policy Roundtables
5. Joint Forums and Conferences
6. Capacity Building and Training on Public Policy Making

For the next steps the two teams agreed on drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) capturing the agreed key areas of
collaboration, signing of the MoU during the 9th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference, scheduled for 20th – 22nd May 2026 in Mombasa and planning a courtesy call to KIPPRA to strengthen engagement

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Britam PLC, a Platinum Member of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, convened the Britam Biashara Network this morning ,an initiative focused on unlocking business potential for SMEs. The forum brought together enterprises from diverse sectors.

The keynote address was delivered by Wandia Gichuru, Co-Founder and CEO of Vivo Fashion Group, who shared insights on her entrepreneurial journey since founding the business in 2011, now approaching its 15-year milestone.

KNCCI was represented by National Director Ken Onditi during a panel session, where he highlighted the Chamber’s role in facilitating regional trade through the iSOKO platform, which connects traders across seven countries. He also emphasized the digitization of the Certificate of Origin to streamline exports, as well as the Jiinue Growth Program that equips SMEs with skills to access finance.

Other panelists included James Mbithi, Anna Masinde, and Wandia Gichuru.

The Britam Biashara Network will continue to be rolled out across counties in collaboration with KNCCI County Chapters.

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