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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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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He emphasized bridging the trade deficit by scaling Kenya’s exports through value addition, standards compliance, SME aggregation, and private sector-led growth in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and other priority sectors.

Panel – Bridging Markets, Creating Opportunities:

* Regina Ombam – Principal Secretary, State Department for Trade
* Feng Xiang – Chairman, Beijing Xineng Rare Earth Co. Ltd
* Zhang Shaolin – Manager, Zhejiang Pujia Import and Export Co., Ltd
* Pally Muthathai – Chairperson, MacNut Association of Kenya
* Erick Rutto – President, KNCCI
Moderator: Beatrice Marshall

Dr. Rutto also engaged senior officials including Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, reinforcing KNCCI’s role as the bridge between policy and enterprise.

The session gained momentum with the arrival of Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, and Han Zheng, Vice President of China and Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, whose remarks highlighted a shared commitment to deepening trade and translating policy into real market outcomes.

Hon. Lee Kinyanjui delivered a strong address on Kenya’s global trade positioning, while high-level sessions and business matchmaking set the stage for deals across:
* Agriculture & Food Industry
* Energy & Mining
* Manufacturing Industry
* Trade & Financial Services
* Technology and Other Sectors

On the sidelines, Dr. Rutto engaged the media—including China Global Television Network—delving into the duty-free framework and its ripple effects on Kenyan exports.

A day of bold discussions, strategic alignment, and actionable partnerships—showcasing KNCCI as the engine driving Kenya’s trade growth

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Today, KNCCI  held a strategic briefing with the (WiSK) in a meeting led by KNCCIWomen in Business (WIB) technical lead Eileen Kemunto and WiSK Founder Charlene Jepkosgei to explore partnership opportunities aimed at leveraging space technology and geospatial solutions to support women-led enterprises—particularly SMEs in the agricultural sector.

How Space Technology Benefits KNCCI Members (Agriculture Focus)

The Women in Space Organization highlighted how satellite systems, Earth observation, and GIS technologies can deliver practical value to agribusinesses, including:

• Soil analysis & mapping: Satellite imagery and GIS data help assess soil health, moisture levels, and nutrient composition, enabling farmers to make informed decisions on land preparation and fertilization.
• Seed suitability & crop planning: Geospatial data supports selection of suitable crop varieties based on soil type, rainfall patterns, and climate conditions, reducing crop failure risks.
• Climate & weather monitoring: Earth observation provides early warning on droughts, floods, and changing weather patterns, supporting climate-smart agriculture and risk mitigation.
• Yield optimization: Data-driven insights allow farmers and agribusinesses to optimize planting cycles, irrigation, and resource use, leading to improved productivity and reduced costs.

These technologies can be translated into accessible tools and training for women-led agribusinesses within the KNCCI network.

Proposed Areas of Partnership

The following collaboration opportunities were discussed:

• Capacity Building Programmes
  Joint training programmes for KNCCI members—especially women in agribusiness—on the application of satellite data, GIS, and Earth observation for business growth and sustainability.
• Mentorship Programmes for Women & Girls in GIS
  Partnership on mentorship initiatives targeting African women and girls, providing exposure, skills development, and career pathways in GIS, space science, and related technologies.
• Co-Creation of Sector-Specific Programmes
  Development of tailored programmes focused on:
• Satellite systems and applications
• Earth observation for agriculture and climate resilience
• Climate intelligence for SMEs and policy engagement
• Conference & Knowledge Platform
• Exploration of partnership opportunities for the 2nd African Women in Space Conference 2027, including joint programming, private-sector engagement, and showcasing women-led innovations and businesses.

Next Steps

Both parties expressed strong interest in formalizing collaboration through co-designed programmes that connect space technology, women’s economic empowerment, and private-sector growth. Further discussions will focus on programme design, pilot initiatives, and stakeholder engagement within the KNCCI ecosystem.

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Theme:

The Elgeyo Marakwet business community, government leaders, and development partners convened yesterday for a high-level Business Dinner held in preparation for the Elgeyo Marakwet International Business Forum 2025. The dinner, jointly organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) – Elgeyo Marakwet Chapter, the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet, and Kaptagat Integrated, brought together key stakeholders to discuss investment readiness and position the county as a competitive regional hub.

Speakers emphasized unlocking strategic opportunities across agriculture, value addition, sports tourism, hospitality, and trade. The conversations highlighted Elgeyo Marakwet’s unique strengths—including its globally acclaimed athletic heritage—and its readiness to attract local and international investors.

Governor Wesley Rotich reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment climate. He noted that security and stability remain top priority as the county expands its outreach to external and international investors. He highlighted new openings in mango, avocado, macadamia, and coffee value chains, emphasizing that the county is proactively seeking partners to drive value addition and agro-industrial growth.

Chief Guest Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo outlined the national government’s investment priorities for the region, citing infrastructure gaps as a major barrier to growth. He announced upcoming plans for improved road connectivity, including the Rironi corridor, which will boost market access for farm produce and enhance tourism flows—particularly in high-altitude sports tourism.

Dr. Kiptoo also applauded the county’s agricultural potential, noting that Elgeyo Marakwet’s mango varieties have one of the highest sugar contents in the country, positioning them favourably for export, juice manufacturing, and pulp production. He urged the county to enhance its global positioning while embedding sustainability in all development initiatives.

KNCCI Ag. CEO  K.K Mutai, in his address, emphasized KNCCI’s commitment to catalyzing investment and strengthening enterprise competitiveness. He reiterated the Chamber’s role in facilitating market linkages, trade missions, SME capacity building, and global partnerships.

“Elgeyo Marakwet is not only Kenya’s athletic capital; it is an emerging investment powerhouse,” he said. “From agriculture and value addition to sports tourism and MSME development, investors will find immense untapped potential here. KNCCI stands ready to support their journey, remove barriers, and connect them to global markets.”

He highlighted opportunities outlined in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP 2023–2027), including dairy, horticulture, potatoes, apiculture, pyrethrum, and high-value livestock. He further underscored the Chamber’s national programmes in digital skills, e-commerce, export readiness, and SME financing that will benefit county enterprises.

Mutai called on local, regional, and international investors to explore partnerships ahead of the 2025 Summit:

“Elgeyo Marakwet is open for business and KNCCI is your gateway. Together, we can unlock prosperity for this county and build a globally competitive economic model for Kenya.”

The Business Dinner concluded with a renewed commitment among partners to champion investment promotion, strengthen public–private collaboration, and elevate Elgeyo Marakwet as a centre of excellence in trade, sports, tourism, and agriculture.

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The President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Dr. Erick Rutto, today welcomed the leadership of Kajiado County, led by Deputy Governor Hon. Martin Moshisho Martine, during a courtesy visit to the KNCCI Headquarters in Nairobi. The visit aimed to explore areas of collaboration between KNCCI and Kajiado County ahead of the upcoming Maa Cultural Week, scheduled for next week 4th – 9th November 2025.

Also present at the meeting was the KNCCI Kajiado County Chapter leadership led by the Chapter Chairperson Joseph Ntele, alongside representatives from the Kajiado Investment Board. Discussions centered on strengthening partnerships to promote investment opportunities within the county, particularly in view of its strategic location—offering close proximity to Nairobi and direct access to the East African Community market.

Deputy Governor Hon. Moshisho highlighted Kajiado County’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier investment destination, citing vibrant opportunities in the agriculture, real estate, and tourism sectors. He expressed optimism that the partnership with KNCCI will help attract both local and international investors, creating sustainable economic growth and opportunities for the county’s residents.

Dr. Rutto reaffirmed KNCCI’s support for county governments in advancing trade, investment, and industrialization, noting that such collaborations are key to unlocking Kenya’s regional competitiveness and private sector-led development.

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Today Tuesday 29th October 2025, KNCCI National Director Ken Onditi represented Chamber President Dr. Erick Rutto at the 2025 Africa International Agricultural Expo (AIAE), currently taking place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) under the theme “Improving Agricultural Productivity in Africa through Innovations and Market Access.” The Expo has brought together over 100 exhibitors from more than 10 countries, highlighting the continent’s agricultural potential and serving as a hub for technology, trade, and investment in agribusiness. KNCCI is a strategic partner in this event, working alongside Agri-Africa Exhibition Ltd to promote Africa’s agricultural transformation through collaboration and innovation.

In his address, Mr. Onditi reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to driving private sector–led growth in agriculture, noting that “agriculture remains the backbone of Africa’s economy, contributing an average of 30–40% of GDP and employing over 60% of the continent’s population.” He added that in Kenya, the sector contributes over 33% of GDP and supports more than 75% of rural livelihoods, yet it still faces persistent challenges such as climate change, low productivity, limited access to finance, and restricted market access. The Expo, he said, was conceptualized to bridge these gaps by connecting policymakers, financiers, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across Africa to collaborate and forge sustainable solutions.

Mr. Onditi emphasized that the Expo provides a strategic opportunity to showcase innovations driving agricultural transformation, explore cross-border trade and investment, and promote the inclusion of youth and women in agribusiness. He highlighted KNCCI’s active role in facilitating trade and investment, strengthening value chains, and promoting access to agribusiness financing and global markets. He also underscored the Chamber’s collaboration with national and county governments, as well as development partners, to enhance productivity and competitiveness in agriculture.

In conclusion, Mr. Onditi called on investors, innovators, and development partners to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Expo, saying: “Together, we can transform agriculture into a wealth-creating sector for our people and position Africa not just as a food producer, but as a global leader in sustainable agribusiness.” He extended appreciation to Agri-Africa Exhibition Ltd, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and all sponsors, exhibitors, and international partners for their contribution to the success of the event. The event was officially opened by Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture  Dr. Kiprono Ronoh, CBS and was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Kenya H.E. Guo Haiyan, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Kenya, South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kenya among other diginitaries.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) today, Tuesday 21st October 2025, hosted a courtesy call meeting between its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. K.K. Mutai, and a delegation from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), led by Chairman of Pak–Kenya Business Council of FPCCI Khalil Paracha. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between Kenya and Pakistan through deeper collaboration between the two chambers.

Discussions centered on advancing business-to-business linkages, expanding trade volumes, and identifying investment opportunities in key growth sectors including agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to promoting mutual trade interests by organizing joint trade missions, business forums, and exhibitions aimed at enhancing market access and partnership development between enterprises from both nations.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of operationalizing the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KNCCI and FPCCI. This will be achieved through the establishment of a joint working framework to implement SME capacity-building initiatives, facilitate information sharing, and support the growth of cross-border enterprises.

As a way forward, the two chambers agreed to form a joint working group that will coordinate upcoming trade engagements, exchange trade and investment data, and identify priority sectors for collaboration.

The engagement reaffirmed the mutual commitment of KNCCI and FPCCI to strengthen commercial cooperation and promote long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships between the business communities of Kenya and Pakistan — paving the way for enhanced bilateral trade and sustainable economic growth.

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The missions targeted strategic sectors including tea, coffee, fast-moving consumer goods, beverages, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology services. Based on initial findings, the committee described the missions as a success.

In total, 18 Kenyan companies participated across both missions, leading to:

• Four agreements signed, including two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between KNCCI and both the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) and the Lusaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
• Orders worth Kshs. 34 million secured for Kenyan businesses.

The evaluation further revealed that Kenya’s services sector continues to dominate in Africa, with innovation in financial services giving local fintech firms a competitive edge. However, the slow adoption of fintech solutions in some African markets remains a challenge to scaling further.

Despite the rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Kenyan companies still face hurdles when expanding beyond the East African Community. These include non-tariff barriers such as border delays, restrictive licensing processes, and regulatory barriers related to ownership requirements.

Looking ahead, the committee recommended that Kenya should continue to leverage its strengths in the services sector while KNCCI intensifies policy advocacy with relevant ministries to ease cargo movement and expand access to new markets.

As part of its mandate, KNCCI reaffirmed its commitment to providing market intelligence and research support to members to enable them to tap into emerging opportunities across Africa.

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