Mr. Bell, Founder and CEO of A Unity System, informed KNCCI that he has made the strategic decision to relocate all his manufacturing operations to Konza Technopolis, reinforcing Kenya’s growing reputation as Africa’s leading technology and innovation hub. He cited Kenya’s strong innovation ecosystem and investor-friendly policies as key factors behind his decision.

The move is expected to boost local manufacturing, create jobs, support technology transfer, and attract additional international investment into Kenya’s digital economy.

Dr. Rutto welcomed the investment and thanked Mr. Bell for choosing Kenya over other potential destinations. He noted that such investments demonstrate growing global confidence in Kenya’s business environment and its position as a gateway to African markets.

The meeting also explored opportunities to attract more African American investors to Kenya and the wider continent. Dr. Rutto encouraged Mr. Bell to engage the US Black Chamber of Commerce and invite its members to participate in the upcoming Chamber@60 celebrations, which will bring together businesses, investors, and exhibitors from more than seven countries.

KNCCI further pledged to support African American investors seeking to establish operations in Kenya, strengthening business partnerships, investment flows, and economic cooperation between Africa and the African diaspora.

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KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto’s remarks were delivered on his behalf by National Director and Chair Economic Diplomacy Committee Cynthia Nyawira, highlighted the Chamber’s active role in Kenya’s economic diplomacy.

The conference drew an impressive line-up of key stakeholders, underscoring the significance of the Kenya–China trade agenda including the Kenya Investment Authority and Lucy Muchoki the Chair, KNCCI Programmes and Partnerships Committee & CEO, Kenya Agribusiness and Agroindustry Alliance. The Changsha delegation included Li Weiqun Vice Chairman, Standing Committee of Changsha Municipal People’s Congress, Yang Zhiren — Deputy Director, Changsha Municipal Bureau of Commerce and China Business Representatives in Kenya including from , Zoomlion Overseas Company, eWaka Mobility, KILIMALL Kenya, Rideence Africa Limited and Executive Vice President, Hunan Association in Kenya Xiao Huizhong.

A central theme of the conference was the urgent need to address Kenya’s trade imbalance with China. Kenya’s trade deficit currently stands at approximately KES 654 billion. However, China’s decision to grant duty-free access to 98.2% of Kenyan exports was lauded as a transformative opportunity with early results are already showing tea and coffee exports to China have soared.

KNCCI Chair Programmes and Partnerships Ms. Lucy Muchoki highlighted the growing role of agriculture in Kenya’s exports to China, pointing to the strong potential for agribusiness expansion. She underscored the need to deliberately involve more youth and women in this growth, a call to action that aligns with KNCCI’s broader agenda of inclusive economic participation.

The Changsha delegation presented their city as a strategic distribution hub for goods entering China, with the capacity to channel products to markets across the entire country. This positions Changsha as a natural and efficient partner for Kenyan exporters seeking nationwide reach in China.

Presentations from Changsha’s industry leaders also spotlighted significant opportunities in biomedical devices, heavy machinery, new energy, and electric mobility sectors where Chinese enterprises are actively seeking African partners. KNCCI’s role in orienting and facilitating incoming Chinese investors was formally acknowledged and welcomed.

In remarks delivered by National Director Ms. Cynthia Nyawira, KNCCI outlined Kenya’s compelling investment proposition a dynamic economy that grew 4.6% in 2025, a youthful and entrepreneurial workforce, world-class digital infrastructure, and preferential access to a regional market of over 300 million consumers through the EAC, COMESA, and AfCFTA.

KNCCI also highlighted gains from KNCCI’s first overseas office in Changsha, established in December 2023 and which continues to serve as an anchor for Kenya–China business engagement, having already facilitated missions involving over 200 Kenyan business leaders.

Overall members in agribusiness, manufacturing, ICT, renewable energy, electric mobility, and biomedical sectors stand to benefit directly from the partnerships being developed through this forum.

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The discussions centered on creating a structured framework for inter-chamber collaboration. The MCCCI, established as a partnership of enterprises and associations across all sectors of the Malawian economy, plays a pivotal role in representing the private sector in Lilongwe. By aligning with KNCCI, both organizations aim to bridge the information gap for SMEs and large-scale investors alike.

Bilateral trade between Kenya and Malawi has shown consistent growth, with the total value reaching approximately $74 million (Ksh 9.7 billion) annually.

• Kenya’s Exports to Malawi: Valued at approximately $56.2 million, led by packaged medicaments ($12M), sanitary products ($8.56M), and soaps.

• Malawi’s Exports to Kenya: Valued at approximately $17.9 million, dominated by soybean meal ($7.21M), groundnuts ($5.83M), and maize seeds.

Vice President Ramadhan Mustafa highlighted that the “DARAJA” pathway, a strategy of moving from convention to structured corridors, is essential for the Kenya-Malawi partnership. Beyond traditional agriculture, the chambers are eyeing:

• Mining: Unlocking Malawi’s promising limestone and coal resources through Kenyan industrial expertise.

• Manufacturing: Encouraging Kenyan firms, which already operate in Malawi’s food processing and IT sectors, to expand their footprint.

• Value Addition: Collaborative ventures where raw materials from Malawi’s SME base undergo processing in Kenya’s advanced manufacturing zones for re-export.

The meeting concluded with a firm commitment to establishing a joint business desk and organizing reciprocal trade missions. As both nations leverage the COMTRADE framework and regional trade blocs, the goal remains clear: to transform bilateral intent into bankable joint ventures that benefit the youth and business communities of both Nairobi and Lilongwe.

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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 meeting was led by H.E. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and hosted by H.E. Hatim Yousif Hosni, Ambassador of Egypt to Kenya.

Key Focus Areas:
* Strengthening bilateral trade and investment
* Enhancing market access and addressing trade imbalances
* Diversifying the existing trade basket
* Promoting structured business-to-business collaboration

Both sides underscored the importance of leveraging regional and continental frameworks such as COMESA and the AfCFTA to unlock new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

KNCCI emphasized:
* Establishing structured engagement platforms
* Encouraging joint ventures and reciprocal trade missions
* Improving trade facilitation to reduce bottlenecks for exporters and investors
* Expanding partnerships in manufacturing, agro-processing, ICT, infrastructure, and energy

KNCCI members from diverse sectors were in attendance, reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to ensuring that private sector voices remain central in advancing international trade partnerships.

CEO Mr. KK Mutai, alongside National Director Mr. Ken Onditi, MBS, reiterated the Chamber’s dedication to translating the meeting outcomes into actionable follow-up engagements and sustained private sector dialogue to drive mutually beneficial Kenya–Egypt trade relations.

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The delegation, which included National Director Ken Onditi, MBS, was received by the Chair of the KNCCI Health Products and Services Committee and Biopharma Managing Director, Mr. Hitan Majevdia, OGW, EBS.

During the visit, the KNCCI team toured the modern facility and learned about Biopharma’s advanced production lines, strong quality systems, and commitment to meeting international manufacturing standards while producing medicines locally.

Biopharma manufactures a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including tablets and capsules, liquid medicines such as syrups and suspensions, and topical products like creams, ointments, and gels. The facility has a monthly production capacity of 120 million tablets, 2.4 million syrup doses, and 600,000 creams. It is also expected to directly employ about 5,400 Kenyans working in three shifts around the clock.

Commending the milestone, Dr. Rutto noted that the expansion is a strong example of Kenya’s growing manufacturing and innovation capacity. He added that Biopharma is well positioned to supply pharmaceutical products to markets across Africa and beyond. The visit was also graced by the presence of nominated Senator Catherine Mumma.

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This direct-access procurement model minimizes acquisition costs, eliminates risks associated with unverified networks, shortens delivery timelines, and enhances the value-addition capabilities of Kenyan manufacturers. It ensures that companies invest in reliable, vetted equipment while maintaining full transparency throughout the sourcing process.

Director Baskwony underscored the critical need for Kenya to align industrial technology with national skills development. Modern manufacturing demands modern training, and the integration of computer-driven and automated machinery into TVET institutions is essential. When education and industry operate at the same technological standard, the dual-training model becomes effective—producing graduates with practical, industry-ready competencies and supplying employers with a workforce fully equipped to operate advanced machinery from day one.

These efforts are reinforced through KNCCI’s structured cooperation with Chinese industry associations and technology partners. Through these partnerships, Kenyan manufacturers and training institutions gain access to verified suppliers, factory inspections, technical after-sales support, and long-term collaboration pipelines to secure modern, dependable equipment.

Anchored in the KNCCI China Strategic Plan, our office remains committed to driving technology transfer, investment facilitation, and direct market linkages. By connecting Kenyan enterprises and TVET institutions to the right technology partners in China, KNCCI continues to support Kenya’s industrial modernization journey and enhance the global competitiveness of our manufacturing sector.

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The Summit opened with strong representation from the KNCCI Elgeyo Marakwet Chapter, led by the County Chairman, Directors and the County CCM, who welcomed delegates and guided the Chamber’s hosting duties.

They were joined by senior national KNCCI leadership Chamber President Dr. Erick Rutto,  Western Region Director John Shimaka, CEO K.K. Mutai and Director Shadrack Kiprono reinforcing the Chamber’s unified commitment to supporting enterprise growth across the county.

Top government leaders also graced the event, including PS Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Governor Wisley Kipyegon Rotich, Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek and Senator Kisang William Kipkemoi, signalling strong public sector backing for Elgeyo Marakwet’s investment agenda.

The leaders toured all exhibition tents, interacting directly with more than 50 exhibitors across agribusiness, manufacturing, services and innovation.

Their conversations highlighted the county’s enormous potential  a true sleeping giant especially as the Governor’s administration pushes for industrial investment, land reform, modern agriculture and value-addition initiatives.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), successfully hosted the Kenya–Zimbabwe Investment and Trade Mission in Nairobi under the theme “Unlocking Business Potential through Policy, Partnerships, and Productivity.”

The high-level engagement brought together government officials, business leaders, and investors from both nations to explore practical avenues for expanding bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

KNCCI National Director Joseph Mutavi who represented Chamber Preesident Dr Eric Rutto, underscored the Chamber’s commitment to fostering private-sector-driven partnerships that would lead to tangible business outcomes, particularly in agro-processing, manufacturing, and technology transfer. Mr. Mutavi lamented on the sad state of trade between the two nations, noting that between 2022 and 2024, Kenya–Zimbabwe trade averaged only USD 39 million annually—representing just 0.25% of their global trade volumes. Kenya exported USD 22.1 million worth of goods, mainly value-added products, while importing USD 16.9 million, mostly raw tobacco and sugar.

He observed that while Kenya’s exports to Zimbabwe are diversified and value-added, Zimbabwe’s exports remain concentrated in raw commodities.

“Africa will not industrialize by exporting raw materials to each other. We must collaborate on value addition,” he asserted.

Mr. Mutavi called on both sides to use this trade mission as a launch-pad for industrial partnerships that bring stability, predictability, and growth to the bilateral relationship.

In his remarks during the opening session, Advocate Christopher Mugaga, CEO of ZNCC, highlighted the long-standing relations between the two countries and called for strengthened collaboration to unlock Africa’s collective potential through trade and industrial linkages. Mrs. ZNCC Deputy President, also noted that the mission was timely as both economies seek to diversify exports, deepen value addition, and benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The second session focused on identifying key investment and trade opportunities between Kenya and Zimbabwe. Presentations were made by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), and ZimTrade, who unpacked opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, ICT, and tourism.

Speakers from both KNCCI and ZNCC emphasized the need to shift from exporting raw materials to producing and trading in value-added goods.

“For Zimbabwe, this means moving up the value chain by leveraging Kenya’s agro-processing expertise, while for Kenya, it means tapping into Zimbabwe’s mineral and industrial potential to support manufacturing and infrastructure growth,” said Fatma Bashir, Head of Trade department at KNCCI

In his closing remarks, KNCCI Ag CEO Mr. K.K. Mutai called for a paradigm shift, urging both sides to focus on value addition, industrial linkages, and technology integration. He underscored that the AfCFTA presents a transformative framework for deepening this partnership—through eliminating tariff barriers, harmonizing standards, and fostering integrated regional value chains.

The afternoon sessions were dedicated to sector-specific B2B matchmaking, facilitated jointly by KNCCI and ZNCC. Participants explored concrete partnership opportunities in agro-processing, industrial manufacturing, logistics, and technology transfer.

The Kenya–Zimbabwe Investment and Trade Mission reaffirmed the shared vision of both countries to harness policy, partnerships, and productivity as catalysts for industrial transformation.

KNCCI and ZNCC leaders agreed on the need to institutionalize business exchanges, promote joint ventures, and facilitate regular trade missions under the AfCFTA framework to sustain momentum.

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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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