Today marked a historic milestone as KNCCI, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, successfully hosted the inaugural Kenya–Kazakhstan Business Forum. Following the opening of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Nairobi in June 2025, this landmark engagement signals a new era of strengthened diplomatic and commercial ties between our two nations.

The forum brought together Kenyan private sector leaders physically at the Embassy, alongside business delegates from Kazakhstan who joined virtually demonstrating a shared commitment to deepening bilateral trade and investment.

Why This Matters

Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia, with a GDP exceeding USD 286 billion and projected to surpass USD 300 billion this year, presenting significant opportunities for Kenyan exporters and investors.

Key Highlights

* Expanding bilateral trade and investment cooperation
* Unlocking export opportunities for Kenyan premium coffee and value-added products
* Strengthening structured business-to-business engagement
* Enhancing market intelligence and investment collaboration

In his remarks, H.E. Mr. B. Sadykov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Kenya, emphasized the strong potential for Kenyan coffee exports, noting that a single cup of coffee in Kazakhstan retails at approximately USD 5 — signaling a high-value market opportunity.

Government Participation

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs was represented by Mr. Evans Maturu, Head of Economic Affairs and Commercial Diplomacy.
KenInvest was represented by Mr. Pius Rotich, Director of Manufacturing Investment, who outlined investment opportunities in both countries.

In his address, KNCCI Director Mr. Ken Onditi, MBS, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting Kenyan businesses through:

* Development of comprehensive market intelligence briefs
* Guidance on regulatory requirements and tax incentives
* Structured market entry strategies
* A planned high-level trade mission to Kazakhstan in the coming months

The keynote address was delivered by PS Stephen Isaboke, MBS, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, who welcomed the proposal to establish a dedicated business hub to facilitate structured and deliberate trade between the two countries.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all KNCCI members and partners who participated in this pioneering forum. This engagement has laid a strong foundation for expanded trade, investment, and strategic collaboration.

The future of Kenya–Kazakhstan relations is promising and this forum marks only the beginning of a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership.

The post First-Ever Kenya–Kazakhstan Business Forum Successfully Convened appeared first on KNCCI.

The delegation was formally received under the leadership of KNCCI President, Dr. Eric Rutto, who hosted the visiting investors and facilitated strategic introductions to key government agencies and private-sector stakeholders, showcasing Kenya diverse and bankable investment opportunities.

The visiting delegation comprised enterprises with strong interest in renewable energy, smart infrastructure, mining, manufacturing technologies, logistics and deep-sea fishing, sectors that align closely with Kenya’s national development priorities and private-sector-led growth agenda.

During an engagement with KenInvest, CEO Mr. John Mwendwa, OGW, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining Kenya investment journey, covering market entry procedures, regulatory facilitation, priority growth sectors and the end-to-end support available to investors to ensure successful project implementation.

Dr. Rutto emphasized KNCCI role as a bridge between international investors and Kenya public and private sectors, highlighting opportunities for:

• Renewable energy deployment and energy-storage solutions
• Smart city infrastructure and urban lighting systems
• Value-addition in mining and manufacturing
• Logistics, shipping and trade facilitation
• Technology-driven agriculture and industrial innovation

The engagement builds on the momentum of the Kenya Investment Forum held in Beijing in 2025 and CAETE in Changsha 2025, signaling sustained Kenya–China economic cooperation and growing investor confidence in Kenya as a preferred gateway to East and Central Africa.

The visit reaffirmed Kenya readiness to partner with Chinese enterprises on commercially viable, sustainable and mutually beneficial investments, leveraging Kenya strategic location, skilled workforce

The post KNCCI Hosts China–Africa Economic and Trade Working Committee & China Cooperative Trade Enterprises Association appeared first on KNCCI.