Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) China Office in partnership with the China–Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council (CAETPC), successfully hosted an Investor Attraction and Business Networking Session in Shanghai, China, engaging with over 70 Chinese companies eager to explore investment opportunities in Kenya’s dynamic market.

During the event, Fredrick Mukilya, Chief Representative of the KNCCI China Office, detailed Kenya unmatched economic potential, a gateway to Eastern and Central Africa and the third-largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, recognized for its stable macroeconomic environment, transparent regulatory systems and strong financial markets.
In 2024, the manufacturing sector contributed 7.7% to Kenya GDP, reflecting a 2.4% growth from 2023 1.8%. This expansion was driven by rapid growth in textiles and apparel, valued at KES 57.5 billion (RMB 2.99 billion), leather and leather products at KES 6.2 billion (RMB 322.4 million) and increasing exports of agro-processed goods to Asia. Kenya agricultural exports to China are flourishing, with avocados worth KES 22.1 billion (RMB 1.2 billion), macadamia nuts at KES 7.8 billion (RMB 406 million), tea exports reaching KES 168.3 billion (RMB 8.8 billion), and cut flowers at KES 108.1 billion (RMB 5.62 billion). These achievements position Kenya as an agricultural powerhouse and a dependable export partner.

He highlighted Kenya’s leadership in green industrialization, where over 90% of electricity is from renewable sources—geothermal (44.2%), hydro (28.9%), wind (14.3%) and solar (3.7%), building a sustainable, low-carbon manufacturing base attractive to global investors. With a young, skilled workforce exceeding 20 million, competitive labor costs and top-tier logistics via Mombasa and Lamu ports, plus duty-free access to markets under AfCFTA and EPA agreements, Kenya presents a strategic, cost-effective platform for investors seeking access to Africa’s 1.4 billion consumers. He stressed that investing in Kenya means engaging with a nation where growth aligns with stability, innovation offers opportunities and partnerships transform potential into prosperity.

The CAETPC leadership reaffirmed its commitment to continue cooperating with KNCCI in engaging with Chinese investors through ongoing forums, matchmaking sessions, and high-level business visits aimed at deepening Sino–Kenyan cooperation.

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The meeting, led by KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto, focused on exploring avenues of collaboration by leveraging the strategic geographic positioning of both nations. Uzbekistan was highlighted as a gateway to Central Asia, with access to neighboring markets such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan—offering significant opportunities for Kenyan exports.

Dr. Rutto noted that horticultural products such as tea, coffee, and cut flowers present a strong export potential for Kenya in the Central Asian region. He emphasized the importance of diversifying export markets and taking advantage of Uzbekistan’s strategic location to expand Kenya’s trade footprint.

On his part, Ambassador Khatamov reiterated Uzbekistan’s commitment to fostering closer bilateral trade relations with Kenya. He expressed optimism that increased collaboration between the business communities of the two countries would unlock new opportunities for growth and shared prosperity.

The discussions also touched on areas where Kenya could benefit from Uzbekistan’s expertise, particularly in mining and textiles, sectors in which Uzbekistan has developed strong technical capacity. Both parties agreed to task their teams with identifying specific areas of synergy that would form the basis of future cooperation.

Dr. Rutto further underscored KNCCI’s role in creating linkages for Kenyan businesses and facilitating market access through strategic partnerships. He welcomed the Ambassador’s visit as a milestone in expanding Kenya’s international trade partnerships beyond traditional markets.

KNCCI and the Embassy of Uzbekistan will continue working closely to design frameworks for collaboration, with a focus on trade missions, knowledge sharing, and investment opportunities.

Also present was Special advisor in the Office of the President Anne Lagat, Consul Embassy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Latifjonov and KNCCI National Director Ken Onditi.

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