The forum brought together government representatives, business associations, private enterprises, overseas chamber representatives and professional service institutions, with more than 180 participants engaging in policy exchange, business experience sharing, B2B matchmaking and cooperation signing.
Dr. Rutto noted that Hunan is a strong industrial and commercial partner for Kenya, with the province GDP reaching approximately RMB 5.53 trillion in 2025. He emphasized that Hunan strengths in manufacturing, engineering, e-commerce, medical technology, renewable energy and industrial supply chains align closely with Kenya development priorities.

He positioned Kenya as a strategic gateway for Hunan enterprises entering East Africa and the wider African market. Kenya economy grew by 4.6% in 2025, with GDP estimated at approximately RMB 910 billion, supported by a strong private sector that drives investment, exports, employment and innovation.
Dr. Rutto further highlighted Kenya growing appeal as an investment destination, noting that foreign direct investment into Kenya surpassed USD 2 billion in 2025, reflecting rising investor confidence in the country reform agenda, regional market access and strategic sectors.

On trade, Dr. Rutto emphasized that Kenya–China cooperation must now move toward stronger export growth, value addition and industrial partnerships. With China granting 98.2% of Kenyan exports duty-free access, Kenya has a major opportunity to expand exports of tea, coffee, avocados, macadamia, hides and skins, textiles and processed foods. Kenya tea and coffee exports to China grew by 8.8% year-on-year in 2025, reaching USD 24.46 million.

The engagement also reflected KNCCI long-standing cooperation with Hunan under the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo framework, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council, the CCPIT Hunan Sub-Council, and other Hunan partners. Changsha also hosts KNCCI first overseas office, established in December 2023, which has supported more than 900 Kenyan business leaders in exploring trade, manufacturing, technology transfer and investment opportunities in Hunan.

The B2B session focused on practical opportunities in construction equipment, biomedical manufacturing, electric mobility, e-commerce, renewable energy, agriculture value addition, mining machinery, ICT and technical training.

Following the forum, Dr. Rutto led KNCCI engagements during a company visit and meeting at Hunan Shenyi Precision Parts Incorporated Company. The visit concluded with the signing of a Consulting Service Contract between Shenyi and the Hunan Representative Office of KNCCI, aimed at supporting Shenyi Kenya market entry through market information, enterprise matching, business linkages, Kenya visit arrangements and local resource connections.

Dr. Rutto also engaged representatives of Hunan International Trade Group on potential investment interests in Kenya, including land and real estate-related opportunities, subject to further policy guidance, due diligence and engagement with relevant Kenyan authorities.

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The program equipped trainers with practical knowledge and skills in key areas of today’s business environment, enabling them to transfer these competencies to women and youth entrepreneurs across Kenya.

“This project demonstrates the power of collaboration in transforming our entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Dr. Erick Rutto, KNCCI President. “By investing in trainers, we are investing in the future of women and youth who are essential to Kenya’s economic resilience and growth.”

The sessions, held throughout October 2025, covered: Digital Marketing, E-commerce, International Partner Search and Export Planning.

The Training for Trainers program was aimed to strengthen the capacity of professionals who will mentor and empower women and youth-led enterprises. The sessions focused on enhancing competitiveness, improving
market access, and promoting sustainable enterprise growth through practical skills in digital marketing, e-commerce, partner search, and export planning.

The project highlighted the importance of international partnerships in supporting local enterprise development.
By training trainers first, the project ensured a multiplier effect—knowledge and skills gained will be cascaded to
hundreds of women and youth entrepreneurs across counties in Kenya.

“This initiative strengthens our mission of bridging skills gaps and creating inclusive opportunities for all,” noted Mr. KK Mutai, KNCCI Chief Executive Officer. “The impact will be felt across communities as more women and young entrepreneurs embrace digital tools, global markets, and competitive business practices.”

This initiative reaffirms KNCCI’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth by equipping underrepresented groups
with tools to thrive in a modern, digital-driven economy.

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KNCCI officially launched its E-Commerce Trust Seal sensitization campaign in Mombasa County, engaging over 30 businesses in the digital space. The initiative aims to build trust, boost credibility, and enhance security in Kenya’s growing e-commerce sector.

Led by KNCCI ICT manager Ken Mwenda, the session introduced participants to the value of the Trust Seal, including how to acquire it, implement it effectively, and maintain its validity through regular renewals. The training was interactive and well received, with digital entrepreneurs raising key questions on legitimacy, cost, and technical support—all of which were addressed openly and constructively.

The team was honored to have KNCCI Mombasa County Director Fatma Hussein and County Chapter Manager Poline Musiko, in attendance, who reaffirmed our commitment to empowering local businesses in the digital economy. The day wrapped up with a vibrant networking session that sparked new connections and collaborations.  The Trust Seal is more than a badge—it’s a signal of integrity, and a step forward for Kenya’s digital transformation.

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Tailored Training to Drive Global Competitiveness
The initiative was informed by insights from a 2024 national SME survey involving over 700 respondents. It addressed key areas including digital marketing, e-commerce, export preparedness, and international networking through eight dynamic virtual sessions:

•  Digital Marketing: Boosting online presence via SEO, Google Ads, email campaigns, and social media.
• E-Commerce: Training on cross-border sales, automation, AR/VR engagement tools, and analytics.
• Export Readiness: Guiding SMEs on AfCFTA, AGOA compliance, and trade strategy.
• Global Partner Search: Enhancing global outreach, branding, and trust-building.

Nationwide Impact and Long-Term Support
KNCCI’s Train-the-Trainer model ensures this knowledge reaches the grassroots through all 47 chapters. The KNCCI Academy now serves as a continuous resource hub for mentorship, skills training, and market linkage.

What’s Next

• Certificates: All 478 participants will be formally recognized.
• Mentorship: 20 standout SMEs will receive targeted coaching to scale globally.
• Ongoing Growth: Continued training and trade support through the KNCCI Academy.

“Our goal was to equip them with practical, scalable tools—and the overwhelming engagement shows the hunger for growth among Kenya’s entrepreneurs. Through our collaboration with VCCIC and the Lithuanian Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Fund, and the support from KNCCI’s 47 chapters, we’ve built a model that will continue to empower businesses at the grassroots level. This is just the beginning of a long-term journey to expand Kenyan enterprises beyond borders,”  Ken Mwenda, Lead Coordinator – Skills 4 Women & Youth in Kenya Program:

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