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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Dr. Eric Rutto, President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), attended a dinner reception hosted at the German Embassy Residence in Nairobi on the occasion of the visit of a high-level Business and State Government Delegation from the German State of Bavaria. The event was hosted by Mr. Alexander Fierley, Chargé d’Affaires of the Federal Republic of Germany, together with Dr. Markus Wittmann, Director General at the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, who also led the delegation.

The Bavarian delegation, visiting Kenya from 14th to 21st September 2025, comprised more than 30 companies, research institutions, and innovation actors with expertise in ICT, software development, AI, FinTech, InsurTech, biotech, sustainability, and digital health. Their mission was to explore strategic partnerships with Kenyan businesses, research institutions, and start-ups, with a view to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and unlocking opportunities in key growth sectors.

Dr. Rutto’s participation underscored KNCCI’s role in building international linkages and fostering trade and investment relations. The dinner created opportunities for KNCCI to engage German business and government leaders, highlighting Kenya’s position as a regional economic hub and opening avenues for collaboration in areas such as the digital economy, agritech, manufacturing, and circular economy initiatives.

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During the meeting, both parties agreed to collaborate on key strategic areas including urban renewal initiatives, agribusiness and manufacturing industry development, artificial intelligence-driven projects, and personalized medicine, among others.

To deepen this cooperation, the Government of Moscow extended an invitation to KNCCI and its members to participate in a forthcoming trade mission to Russia. This initiative aims to foster new business opportunities and partnerships, strengthening economic ties between Kenya and Moscow.

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