KNCCI President Dr. Eric Rutto, alongside Partnership Committee Chair Lucy Muchoki and KNCCI Busia Chair Silvanus Abungu, received a high-level Ukrainian delegation at the KNCCI headquarters. The delegation was led by Ms. Liubov Abravitova, Director General for Africa and Regional Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, accompanied by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Kenya, H.E. Yurii Tokar, and Olena Ivanchuk, Counsellor for Economic Affairs.

Key Pillars of the Partnership

The discussions centered on leveraging Ukraine’s world-class industrial capabilities to address critical gaps in Kenya’s economic sectors. The collaboration will primarily focus on three high-impact areas:

• Agricultural Modernization & Food Security: As a global agricultural powerhouse, Ukraine will share advanced expertise in large-scale farming techniques and the deployment of organic fertilizers.
• Agro-Tech and Automation: Rutto highlighted plans to leverage Ukraine’s sophisticated manufacturing and aerospace industries to introduce smart automation and agricultural aviation technologies to Kenyan farming.
• Industrialization & Mining: Capitalizing on Ukraine’s renowned steel manufacturing capabilities, the partnership aims to develop Kenya’s mining sector by processing local reserves of iron ore and other raw materials into high-value steel products.

The Impact: Driving Growth via Private Sector Synergy

This meeting marks a pivotal shift toward agile, private-sector-led diplomacy. Ms. Liubov Abravitova outlined the “Ukraine 4 Africa” strategy, emphasizing that as Ukraine focuses on post-war reconstruction, it is actively bypassing bureaucratic red tape to partner directly with private enterprises as the primary engines of economic development.

“By channeling Ukraine’s advanced industrial expertise directly into Kenya’s private sector, this partnership will accelerate mechanization, boost crop yields, and establish a robust framework for sustainable food security,”  – Dr. Eric Rutto, KNCCI President.

Next Steps and Future Outlook

To operationalize these discussions into tangible business outcomes, the two entities have agreed on immediate actionable milestones:

This landmark collaboration highlights KNCCI’s pledge to building international bridges that foster technology transfer, enhance food security, and open new frontiers for Kenyan businesses.

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In a strategic move to reverse a two-year decline in bilateral trade, the President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Dr. Erick Rutto, hosted the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Kenya, H.E. Nasra Salim Al Hashmi, for a high-level courtesy visit at the Chamber headquarters.

The meeting centered on leveraging centuries of cultural and historical interconnectedness to forge deep, modern economic partnerships that deliver tangible business value for both nations.

Key Highlights & Strategic Impact

• Optimizing Maritime Logistics: Both leadership teams underscored the geographical advantage of the close proximity between Kenya’s Mombasa and Lamu ports and Oman’s . With shipping transit times ranging from just 5 to 12 days, there is a clear, untapped opportunity to drastically lower logistics costs and accelerate supply chain efficiencies for traders.

• Targeted Sector Growth: The discussions mapped out high-yield import and export opportunities. Kenya is positioned to scale its export of premium tea, coffee, meat, and live animals, while Oman offers a reliable pipeline for high-quality dates, petroleum, and petroleum products.

• Agricultural and Livestock Expansion: To maximize Kenya’s resource capacity, Dr. Rutto invited Omani investors to leverage Kenya’s vast livestock population for processing and re-export to the Gulf region. Additionally, he proposed large-scale land leasing frameworks for cultivation, presenting a lucrative avenue for Omani agricultural investments.

• Gateway to Global Markets: H.E. Ambassador Nasra Salim Al Hashmi highlighted Oman’s geopolitical value as a premier logistical gateway to the Middle East, Central Asia, and wider Asia, driven by its corridor connecting Iran and Malaysia. Furthermore, Omani enterprises benefit from an active Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, offering Kenyan businesses a strategic indirect entry point into premium global markets.

Resolving Trade Barriers & Next Steps

A major outcome of the bilateral talks was a joint commitment to aggressively address regulatory bottlenecks that have historically hindered trade velocity.

The Impact Formula: To transition discussions into actionable commerce, both delegations agreed to establish dedicated institutional focal points. These teams will actively lobby both governments to expedite the signing of the pending Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement, while simultaneously operationalizing the stalled partnership frameworks between the sister ports of both countries.

Through these targeted interventions, KNCCI and the Omani Embassy are laying down the regulatory and logistical infrastructure necessary to catalyze a new era of robust, cross-border commercial growth.

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She was hosted by Mr. Paul Kiragu, Managing Director, and Mrs. Bethchristine Mumbi, Marketing Director, who shared insights into Fullcare’s impressive journey and contribution to Kenya’s healthcare sector.

Fullcare Surgical Limited is a leading supplier of specialized medical devices, sourcing innovative healthcare solutions from over 14 countries, including China, India, Taiwan, Germany, and Canada.

Their diverse portfolio includes oncology bags, advanced burn care dressings, PPE, CSSD sterilization products, and suturing equipment supporting improved healthcare delivery across the country.

With a growing footprint, Fullcare supplies over 60 public and private hospitals in Kenya, including major institutions such as Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, AAR Healthcare, and Reale Hospital.

The company is also collaborating with Kenyatta National Hospital’s Burn Unit to introduce innovative burn care technologies.

During the engagement, Fullcare shared their ambitious expansion plans into Ethiopia, Tanzania, and West Africa, while highlighting the need for reliable international supplier verification.

KNCCI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting members by connecting Fullcare with the Chamber’s global network, including the KNCCI China Office to facilitate supplier due diligence and international trade opportunities.

Fullcare also expressed interest in participating in medical sector forums, county expos, and business networking platforms, opportunities that KNCCI will continue to facilitate to enhance market access and visibility.

The engagement concluded with a tour of Fullcare’s state-of-the-art digitized warehouse, showcasing their operational excellence and commitment to quality healthcare solutions.

KNCCI looks forward to deepening this partnership and supporting Fullcare’s growth journey as a valued member of the Chamber.

We are excited to have them on board!

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The China (Hunan) – Kenya Edible Fungi Technology Training Program was strategically designed to transition local farmers from baseline agricultural knowledge into sophisticated, export-ready agribusiness operators capable of tapping into the highly lucrative global edible fungi market.

The cohort was taken through critical technical and commercial modules to ensure complete mastery of the value chain:

• Analysis into the global outlook, current status, and immense economic development prospects of the edible fungi industry before diving into the specifics of Oyster Mushroom Cultivation.
• Grading, Preservation, and Packaging of Edible Fungi: Agripreneurs were equipped with critical skills to maintain shelf-life and meet the stringent quality standards demanded by local supermarkets and international buyers. Later they were taken through core production during a White Mushroom Cultivation intensive, offering step-by-step guidance on substrate preparation and climate management for premium button mushrooms.
• Participants also mastered the fundamental biological building blocks of the crop by exploring the Physiology and Ecology of Edible Fungi, followed by a deep dive into international market trade dynamics and the complex logistics involved in the Export of Edible Fungi Products and Market Trade.
• Technical training advanced into the Nutritional and Environmental Requirements of Edible Fungi, alongside practical instruction on Simplified Cultivation of Edible Fungi, teaching farmers how to set up highly efficient, cost-effective infrastructure.
• The final technical block focused heavily on farm resilience through Integrated Pest and Disease Control for Edible Fungi, ensuring the graduates can confidently mitigate biological risks and protect their yields.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, KNCCI Chamber Business Academy Programmes Coordinator, Rachel Marete, lauded the graduates for their dedication and urged them to immediately deploy their newfound expertise. She challenged the agripreneurs to aggressively step into mushroom farming and commercialize their operations, noting that mushrooms command an exceptionally high profit-to-space ratio.

“Do not let this knowledge sit idle. Go out, build these enterprises, and commercialize your skills,” Ms. Marete urged the graduates. “The Chamber is fully ready and willing to assist you in navigating regulatory compliance, establishing local retail networks, and linking your businesses directly to new international buyers.”

This training program aligns seamlessly with KNCCI’s overarching mission to address the structural hurdles facing Kenyan MSMEs. By providing targeted technical skills and de-risking market entry, the Chamber Business Academy is actively working to bridge the “missing middle” helping small-scale operations scale into globally competitive enterprises.

With edible fungi presenting massive opportunities both domestically and regionally within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), these 26 certified graduates stand at the vanguard of a new, highly resilient frontier in Kenyan climate-smart agriculture.

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The high-level meeting marks a significant diplomatic milestone, coming ahead of the official opening of Guatemala’s new embassy in Nairobi. This will become only the third Guatemalan embassy on the African continent, following established missions in Morocco and Egypt.

Strategic Highlights from the Bilateral Talks

The discussions centered on creating robust, reciprocal trade pathways that leverage the unique geographical and economic advantages of both nations:

• A Gateway to North America: Ambassador Carranza highlighted how Kenyan businesses can utilize Guatemala as a strategic entry point into North American markets. Guatemala enjoys lucrative, deeply integrated trade agreements with Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
• Kenya as an African Launchpad: Conversely, KNCCI leadership outlined the immense potential for Guatemalan businesses to utilize Kenya as a commercial launchpad to capture markets across East and Central Africa, and the wider African continent.
• Private Sector Collaboration via MoUs: To practicalize these trade opportunities, both parties explored avenues for KNCCI to collaborate directly with the Guatemala Chambers of Commerce and the country’s Exporters Association. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between these apex private sector bodies is being considered to serve as the primary vehicle for driving future business delegations and B2B partnerships.

Driving Private Sector Growth

This historic visit underscores KNCCI’s ongoing commitment to international trade facilitation and policy advocacy. By forging new alliances with emerging diplomatic partners like Guatemala, the Chamber continues to open fresh export frontiers and attract foreign direct investment for Kenyan entrepreneurs.

Further details regarding the upcoming MoU and subsequent trade missions will be shared with members in due course.

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The meeting hosted at KNCCI Secretariat offices and led by Lucy Muchoki- Director Partnerships and Programs and KNCCI CEO KK Mutai focused on strengthening trade and investment ties between Kenya and China by facilitating the participation of Kenyan businesses to participate during the Expo. The CIIE delegation was led by Zhou Zhencheng Minister Counselor of Chinese Embassy in Kenya who was accompanied by Hua Wei President of the National Exhibition & Convention Center, Jia Liu – Deputy Chief Representative ICBC Africa and Vera Otumbi trade finance specialist at Stanbic Bank Kenya

Discussions centered on identifying opportunities for Kenyan exporters, manufacturers, and investors to showcase their products and services in the Chinese market.

The parties explored potential collaboration in business mobilization, trade promotion, market access facilitation, financial solutions for Kenyan enterprises. The partnership is expected to support increased bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and sustainable economic growth through stronger engagement between the Kenyan and Chinese business communities.

The stakeholders agreed on working together to ensure a successful Kenyan participation at the 9th China International Import Expo and to maximize the commercial opportunities.

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Following the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), through its Chamber Business Academy (CBA), has officially launched the China (Hunan) – Kenya Edible Fungi Technology Training Program.

The launch follows a strategic framework established between KNCCI and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council (CAPETPC) of Hunan Province, Changsha. The landmark partnership aims to revolutionize Kenya’s mushroom value chain by facilitating technology transfer, capacity building, and technical cooperation. In immediate execution of this agreement, professors and agricultural experts from the Hunan Edible Fungi Research Institute have arrived to train the first cohort of mushroom farming entrepreneurs.

Speaking during the launch, Professor Paul Gakarau, Chairman of the Chamber Business Academy Committee, emphasized that the intensive training program is designed to deliver a highly technical skillset required for profitable yields.

The initiative directly addresses a massive economic gap in Kenya’s agricultural sector. According to the industry baseline, Kenya faces an annual mushroom demand of approximately 1,200 tonnes against a domestic production of just 500 tonnes. This leaves an annual supply shortfall of roughly 700 tonnes.

“With such a substantial supply gap, the challenge is not market demand, but the technical capacity to produce at scale,” Professor Gakarau noted. He acknowledged CAPETPC and the Hunan Edible Fungi Research Institute for deploying advanced expertise to help local farmers scale production.

The training course equips participants with comprehensive skills in white and oyster mushroom cultivation, ecological requirements, pest and disease control, and modern packaging and preservation techniques. It provides practical, hands-on exposure that transitions directly into fruiting rooms, introducing modern mushroom bags into the regional supply chain and creating linkages with real buyers.

The mushroom training program aligns with the overarching mandate of the Chamber Business Academy, which was established to serve as KNCCI’s dedicated arm for capacity development and business growth. The academy provides a structured mechanism to elevate the competitiveness and market readiness of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cooperative societies, youth, and women.

Professor Gakarau highlighted several successful milestones already achieved by the CBA through key global partnerships:

• Skills Development for Youth and Women Programme: 578 young people and women have graduated with practical entrepreneurship skills, with a mentorship phase currently supporting 60 small and medium enterprises.
• The Jiinue Growth Programme: Over 6,000 MSMEs have been trained in business management, financial literacy, and digital adoption, with 800 enterprises receiving advanced technical support.
• Cooperative and Value Chain Support: Gender Diversity Management initiatives have strengthened governance and inclusion in the coffee value chain.
• iSOKO Digital Trade: Practical e-commerce training has enabled MSMEs to move beyond informal operations, integrate blended business models, and leverage digital tools for growth.

These initiatives, supported by organizations such as the Mastercard Foundation, TradeMark Africa, and the Lithuanian Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, underscore CBA’s steady momentum toward becoming an African business university.

Looking forward, Professor Gakarau announced an ambitious roadmap of flagship themes intended to scale Kenyan enterprises into regional and international markets.

Most notably, the academy will launch a series of China Zero Tariff Export Readiness programs. These programs are designed to provide hands-on market linkage support, enabling businesses to maximize the benefits of the zero-tariff export opportunity announced by China.

Additionally, upcoming flagship initiatives include:

• Smart Businesses Africa: Launching to help enterprises responsibly integrate AI into marketing and business operations.
• Artisanal Production Upskilling: Formulated to standardize, aggregate, and unlock formal markets for artisans at the base of the economic pyramid.
• Sustainability and ESG Capacity Development: Tailored to help local businesses adopt resource efficiency, align with international standards, and access green financing.

The collaboration between KNCCI, CAPETPC, and the Hunan Edible Fungi Research Institute serves as a prime example of CBA’s implementation-based training model. By introducing modern technology and strictly adhering to phytosanitary and safety standards, the partnership aims to transform mushroom farming from a localized activity into a highly lucrative, export-ready agribusiness value chain.

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The Chamber Business Academy (CBA), under the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI), has officially signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council (CAPETPC) of Hunan Province, Changsha. This historic partnership establishes a framework for technical cooperation, capacity building, and technology transfer designed to accelerate the growth of a professional and market-oriented mushroom value chain across Kenya and the wider region.

The framework outlines clear roles for both entities over its three-year duration. The Chamber Business Academy (CBA) under KNCCI will spearhead comprehensive capacity-building initiatives, designing practical training programs in production, enterprise management, standards compliance, and market linkages. Concurrently, CAPETPC will facilitate access to Chinese agricultural experts, advanced production equipment, and research solutions, alongside fostering business matching between local stakeholders and Chinese investment partners. The collaboration spans technical training, introduction of sophisticated farming equipment, value addition, and investment matchmaking.

Speaking at the ceremony, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto outlined the immense socioeconomic opportunities within the mushroom sector, emphasizing its capacity to solve critical challenges in food security, SME development, and agribusiness job creation.

Addressing the latent potential of the market, Dr. Rutto stated:

“Kenya’s mushroom sector has strong potential to support agribusiness development, job creation, food security, and SME growth; however, unlocking this requires strong technical training and professional market linkages.”

He further elaborated on what is needed to robustly support the regional value chain, adding:

“To build a truly sustainable and practical value chain, we must cooperate internationally to introduce suitable technologies, modern production methods, and shared market information that empowers our local producers.”

Dr. Henry Rotich, representing the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) as Director of Metrology and Testing, echoed the need for structural improvement within the industry. Dr. Rotich called on Kenyan farmers and processors to focus intensely on elevating and refining phytosanitary standards. He noted that strict compliance with safety, quality, and technical standards remains the single most critical bridge for Kenyan agricultural products to successfully penetrate and compete in the highly lucrative global market.

In immediate execution of this MoU, KNCCI through the Chamber Business Academy will launch an intensive, one-week professional training course on mushroom farming starting next week. Participants will be trained in oyster and white mushroom cultivation, mushroom physiology and ecology, nutritional and environmental requirements, simplified cultivation methods, pest and disease control, grading, preservation, packaging, export procedures and market trade.

Meanwhile KNCCI’s Chamber Business Academy and the Institute of Human Edible Fungihave also signed a MoU for strategic cooperation.

END

Editors Note

• According to the KNBS Economic Survey 2026, agriculture accounted for 23.2% of GDP in 2025, while the value of marketed agricultural production reached approximately KSh706 billion.
• Within this sector, mushroom production presents a strong but underdeveloped commercial opportunity.
• The most widely cited industry baseline estimates Kenya annual mushroom demand at approximately 1,200 tonnes, against domestic production of about 500 tonnes. This indicates a potential supply gap of approximately 700 tonnes annually. Although these figures require an updated national assessment, it still shows that domestic production is not meeting market demand.
• Demand exists among hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, food processors, institutions and households.
• Buyers require consistent volumes, good quality, proper grading, reliable packaging and predictable supply.

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It is against this backdrop that KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto today presided over the KALRO Scientific Conference and Innovation Expo 2026 as Chief Guest. The conference was held under the theme “Innovations for Sustainable Agri-food Systems, Climate Change Resilience and Improved Livelihoods.”

In his remarks, Dr. Rutto underscored the critical role of automation and innovation in transforming agriculture, noting that technology is key to increasing productivity, improving yields, and developing better crop and livestock varieties capable of withstanding climate-related challenges.

He challenged Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) researchers to broaden their focus beyond crops and livestock and invest more in developing locally appropriate agricultural machinery and technologies that address the everyday challenges faced by Kenyan farmers. According to Dr. Rutto, locally driven innovation will be instrumental in improving efficiency, reducing production costs, and enhancing competitiveness across the agricultural value chain.

The KNCCI President further called on the scientific community to play a more active role in informing policy and advocacy efforts, observing that despite agriculture’s immense contribution to the economy, there remains a disconnect between policy formulation and the actions required to unlock the sector’s full potential.

Dr. Rutto also highlighted KNCCI’s efforts to drive technology adoption and skills development among farmers, particularly youth, through initiatives such as the Jiinue Growth Programme and the Climate Smart Dairy Farming Project.

He concluded by challenging researchers to continue developing innovative solutions for the sector (such as Aflasafe; KALRO’s  innovative solution  to aflatoxin), while pledging KNCCI’s support in helping commercialize research outputs through enhanced market access, strategic partnerships, and the Chamber’s extensive local and international business networks.

Thereafter he was taken round ro the KALRO data center which houses the Kenya Agriculture Observatory Platform (KAOP) by KALRO Chairman Dr Thuo Mathenge and Director General Dr. Patrick K. Ketiem, a real-time monitoring and digital advisory system. It provides farmers and policymakers with hyper-local weather forecasts, soil health data, and market information down to the specific ward level

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The MOU was signed by Vishal Khagram, National Director, KNCCI, and representatives of CCPIT Fujian in the presence of government officials, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.

Among those in attendance were:

• Ronald Kemboi – Head of Marketing, Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA)
• Zhang Hua – Manager, Asset Operation Department, China Wu Yi Kenya Co. Ltd
• Ibrahim Nyangoya Auma – Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Nairobi City County Government
• Representatives from the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA)
• Officials from CCPIT Fujian and other trade and investment agencies

MOU Highlights

Product Display Centres – Establishment of reciprocal product display centres in Kenya and Fujian to showcase products and connect businesses with buyers.

Business Delegation Exchanges – Regular trade missions and business exchanges to promote partnerships and investment opportunities.

Trade Liaison Cooperation – Exploration of joint trade liaison offices to support exporters, facilitate market access, and strengthen commercial linkages.

The partnership builds on growing efforts to increase Kenyan exports to China and create more opportunities for local businesses to access one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

The signing concluded with both parties expressing confidence that the agreement will translate into stronger business connections, increased trade volumes, and long-term economic cooperation between Kenya and Fujian Province.

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