Key details of the MoU
· It focuses on deepening trade and investment ties between Kenya and China
· Supports business-to-business linkages between Kenyan and Chinese enterprises
· Enhances market access for Kenyan exports, especially under China’s new zero-tariff policy for African countries
· Promotes cooperation in priority sectors such as:Agriculture (e.g. coffee, avocados) Manufacturing, Energy & mining, Trade and
· Facilitates trade promotion, exhibitions, and matchmaking platforms between the two countries
Strategic significance
· The MoU is part of broader efforts to reduce Kenya’s trade deficit with China and scale exports
· It aligns with ongoing initiatives to position Kenya as a gateway to East and Central Africa for Chinese investors
· It strengthens KNCCI’s role as a bridge between Kenyan businesses and international markets

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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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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

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At TRIFIC, they received an overview of the centre’s role as a service-driven platform that supports investors through advisory, trade facilitation, and business-support services.

The discussion also covered Kenya’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), highlighting incentives such as reduced corporate tax, zero-rated VAT and import duty exemptions, all of which attract regional and international investors.

The delegation toured TRIFIC Tower, exploring its modern infrastructure, designed to foster enterprise growth and investor engagement.

They then visited Tatu City, Kenya’s first fully operational SEZ — a 5,000-acre mixed-use development combining residential, industrial, and commercial zones.

During their visit, they:
* Attended a presentation on the Tatu City SEZ, which detailed the available incentives (e.g., 10% corporate tax for the first 10 years, 15% thereafter, import-duty exemptions, and zero-rated VAT).
* Toured the industrial park, where light manufacturing companies such as Dormans, Davis & Shirtliff, and others operate.
* Visited, a newly completed warehousing and park within Tatu City that targets SMEs and offers SEZ benefits.
* Explored residential areas, including high-density housing such as Unity Homes, as well as more premium neighbourhoods like Kijani Ridge.

Overall, the visit underscored Tatu City’s model as a “live, work, and play” development that leverages SEZ incentives to drive industrial growth, urban living, and foreign direct investment.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) today successfully hosted the Kenya–Saudi Arabia Business Forum in Nairobi, bringing together business leaders, investors, and policymakers from both countries to explore new opportunities for trade and investment.

The forum provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the two nations, with over 28 companies from Saudi Arabia and more than 30 Kenyan enterprises participating in the Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions designed to foster meaningful partnerships across key sectors including agribusiness, energy, manufacturing, logistics, and financial services.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Chamber leadership, KNCCI National Director for North Eastern Hussein Jama, representing Vice President Mr. Mustafa Ramadhan, reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to deepening economic ties between the two countries. He noted that the Chamber, which represents over 50,000 businesses across Kenya, stands ready to facilitate credible partnerships, policy linkages, and regulatory support for Saudi investors exploring the Kenyan and East African markets.

“Kenya and Saudi Arabia share a vision for economic transformation through investment, innovation, and trade diversification,” he said. “Our bilateral trade currently stands at approximately USD 1.2 billion annually, but this forum marks the beginning of a stronger, broader collaboration that will unlock new opportunities for both nations.”

KNCCI National Director and Head of Economic Diplomacy, Ms. Cynthia Nyawira in her opening remarks emphasized the importance of leveraging the B2B sessions to forge strong, mutually beneficial relationships.

“Today’s engagement is more than just networking—it is a gateway to transformative partnerships. We encourage both Kenyan and Saudi enterprises to identify synergies, form joint ventures, and explore new avenues for trade and investment that advance our shared prosperity,” she said.

The Saudi delegation featured key speakers who underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding its investment footprint in Africa under the Vision 2030 framework. Among them were representatives from leading Saudi government institutions and private sector organizations who highlighted opportunities in food security, renewable energy, manufacturing, and technology transfer.

Participants expressed optimism that the B2B engagements would yield tangible outcomes, including joint ventures, distribution partnerships, and increased exports of Kenyan goods such as  and leather products to the Saudi market.

The forum also spotlighted Kenya’s position as a strategic gateway to regional markets within COMESA, the East African Community (EAC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — offering Saudi investors access to over 600 million consumers across Africa.

In closing, Ms. Nyawira commended both delegations for their active participation and reaffirmed KNCCI’s readiness to continue facilitating trade and investment dialogues that advance Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) while supporting Saudi Arabia’s diversification goals under Vision 2030.

The Kenya–Saudi Arabia Business Forum was a resounding success, setting the stage for a new era of trade, investment, and partnership between Nairobi and Riyadh.

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Connex US Air operates under two specialized divisions — Connexus Air Cargo Services and Connexus Air Maintenance — enabling the company to deliver integrated logistics solutions and dependable aviation maintenance under one trusted global brand.

The meeting explored potential collaboration as Connex US Air seeks to leverage Kenya’s strategic location and its growing reputation as a logistics hub for the region. The company expressed interest in opportunities linked to Kenya’s proximity to the Gulf States, where it serves as a key exporter of meat, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Additionally, Connex US Air is looking to expand its aircraft maintenance division into Kenya, positioning the country as a regional hub for aviation maintenance and support services.

Dr. Rutto encouraged Connex US Air to take advantage of Kenya’s strong trade influence under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, emphasizing the importance of the Port of Mombasa as a key gateway to East and Central Africa. He reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to supporting partnerships that enhance across the continent.

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A key area of discussion was the need to improve logistics and transport systems between Kenya and South Sudan. Both parties acknowledged that high shipping and cross-border transport costs hinder trade efficiency. It was agreed that collaborative measures should be taken to reduce these costs and enhance the ease of doing business across borders.

The healthcare sector was highlighted as a priority, with South Sudan expressing an urgent need for access to affordable, quality medical supplies. Dr. Rutto emphasized that Kenya’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity could be a strategic source of medical products for South Sudan. Both sides welcomed the idea of boosting pharmaceutical trade and exploring potential partnerships in health-related investments.

To build stronger business linkages, a joint forum will be organized, bringing together 275 businesses from both countries. The forum will serve as a platform for networking, trade sensitization, and investment promotion. It will also address the trade imbalance that currently favors Kenya, particularly in sectors such as construction, where Kenya exports significant volumes of products and services to South Sudan.

Discussions also centered on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework to promote wholesale trade in goods and services. Emphasis was placed on harmonizing trade policies, removing trade barriers, and achieving economies of scale to boost regional competitiveness. Both parties agreed on the importance of aligning national strategies with AfCFTA goals to create a more stable and predictable trading environment.

Dr. Rutto underscored South Sudan’s immense potential in tourism, agriculture, and wholesale trade, urging Kenyan investors to take advantage of the untapped opportunities. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the security of investments, facilitating free movement of labor, and harmonizing product standards between the two countries.

Amb. Anthony louis Kon echoed the need for a more structured trade framework. He called for the urgent implementation of pending trade agreements, the creation of awareness among business communities, and the establishment of a South Sudan Chamber of Commerce office in Kenya. He further proposed the development of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on trade cooperation, which is currently under discussion between the two sides.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen trade relations, foster private sector engagement, and promote regional integration through practical and actionable steps. Both delegations expressed optimism about the future of Kenya–South Sudan trade and investment ties, built on shared vision, cooperation, and strategic alignment.

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KNCCI is proud to have its members actively engaged in this transformative forum, with strong representation across key sectors including agribusiness, horticulture, manufacturing, logistics, energy, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. The Chamber is also showcasing its wide range of member services as an exhibitor at the event.

This year’s forum spotlights digital transformation as a key driver for trade efficiency, broader market access, and sustainable, inclusive economic growth. The focus on digitalisation aims to empower businesses with the skills and tools needed to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

KNCCI’s involvement reinforces its commitment to advancing Kenya’s business ecosystem through international collaboration.

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