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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) successfully hosted its “Business Coffee & Conversations” forum, a high-level targeted engagement designed to empower Kenyan exporters. The event brought together key strategic partners including DHL Express Kenya, Absa Bank, and Rubis Energy Kenya to address critical gaps in logistics, trade finance, and operational efficiency.

KNCCI CEO KK Mutai: A Call to Expand Kenya’s Export Footprint

In his opening remarks, KNCCI CEO KK Mutai set a clear agenda: the need to aggressively expand Kenya’s export footprint in the competitive global marketplace. Highlighting the sector’s potential, Mutai noted that while Kenya’s export sector generated KSh 1.1 trillion in 2024, this performance represents “just the beginning of what our exporters can achieve”.

Mutai addressed the structural challenges hindering African businesses, specifically citing a trade finance gap exceeding $120 billion annually and regional transport costs that run between $5 to $8 per kilometer—significantly higher than the $1 to $2 average in Asia.

“This forum represents a unique convergence of three critical enablers,” Mutai stated, emphasizing the strategic roles of the partners present:

• Logistics efficiency: Tackling high movement costs with DHL.
• Financial solutions: Bridging the trade finance gap with Absa Bank.
• Operational reliability: Ensuring cost-effective energy supply with Rubis Energy Kenya.

He concluded by urging participants to leverage KNCCI as a gateway to export support services, challenging them to “convert insights into action” to unlock the full potential of their enterprises.

DHL Express Kenya MD Paul Makolosi: AI and Connectivity for SMEs

A key highlight of the forum was the message delivered by DHL Express Kenya Managing Director, Paul Makolosi. Reinforcing DHL’s position as a purpose-driven organization, Makolosi emphasized the company’s commitment to “connecting people, improving lives” by linking Kenyan companies to global trade opportunities.

Addressing the evolving landscape of international business, Makolosi highlighted how DHL is utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to interconnect the world, specifically making global markets more accessible for e outlined how AI-driven logistics solutions are simplifying complex supply chains, allowing Kenyan SMEs to compete effectively on the world stage. By integrating advanced technology with their global network, DHL aims to remove barriers for local exporters, ensuring that Kenyan goods can reach international customers with speed and reliability.

A Unified Approach to Export Success

The forum, which included interactive Q&A sessions and networking segments, served as a platform for exporters to engage directly with industry leaders. By aligning the logistics expertise of DHL, the financial muscle of Absa Bank, and the energy solutions of Rubis, KNCCI continues to champion a holistic approach to business growth, ensuring Kenyan exporters are well-equipped to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

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Chamber President in his speech discussed the need for one single license among counties as this has become a barrier to trade within the country. He also informed the Nyanza region of newly presented budget proposals before parliament which he said will lead to more jobs, more taxes for the government and more employment for the youth.

Dr Rutto also highlighted the chambers advocacy role to push for licenses for the artisanal miners with mining a major economic activity in the region with a foresight to bring investment to build a gold refinery. Further, he has assured the members from the Nyanza region that the chamber is working with financial institutions to ensure access to finance for small and medium enterprises through guarantees.

PS Charles Hinga in his presentation focused on how the affordable housing scheme has brought in opportunities for SMEs with the juakali sector now among the biggest suppliers of materials such as doors, windows and expertise earning them billions. He said the formalization of the informal sector has led to more people joining the tax base ultimately leading to more revenues for the revenue authority.

The Homa Bay Business Connect Dinner is a build-up to the national Madaraka Day celebrations being held in Homa Bay on 1st June 2025 and is a KNCCI Homa Bay chapter event in partnership with the County Government of Homa Bay and other development stakeholders. This Dinner sought to leverage national attention around Madaraka Day to foster meaningful dialogue and strategic action that empowers local enterprises, facilitates trade, and builds lasting public-private-development sector partnerships.

Among partners who graced the dinner include, Homa Bay County Government, KRA, Homa Bay water and sanitation company, Migori County, Absa Bank, State Department for Housing and Urban, Affordable Housing Board among others.

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