The engagement meeting was chaired by Raphael Waweru, Chair – KNCCI PWD Committee, and attended by Eileen Kemunto, Member – PWD Committee.

The JGP delegation was led by Program Manager Daniel Biketi, who engaged the broader JGP HQ team in substantive discussions focused on operationalizing inclusive mobilization frameworks, institutional readiness, and compliance requirements.

This collaboration is anchored on JGP’s renewed strategic focus on women, PWDs, and refugees.

It seeks to position KNCCI as the de facto Business Membership Organization (BMO) for structured, credible, and compliant mobilization of PWD-led MSMEs across the country, leveraging existing institutional partnerships and regulatory frameworks.

As underscored during the meeting, “Inclusion must be intentional, structured, and compliant.”

The overarching objective is not only to achieve program targets, but to institutionalize best practice in disability inclusion within KNCCI and across the wider BMO ecosystem.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) have reaffirmed their shared commitment to making tax compliance simpler, more transparent, and accessible for all categories of businesses through the KRA Simplified Solutions engagement held at the Weston Hotel, Nairobi.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Vishal Khagram, KNCCI National Director, applauded KRA’s ongoing reforms that aim to enhance taxpayer experience and promote voluntary compliance. He noted that a fair and efficient tax system is essential to building investor confidence, sustaining infrastructure, and fostering a thriving economic environment.

“At KNCCI, we believe that tax compliance is more than a legal obligation—it is the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” said Mr. Khagram. “However, we also recognize the challenges many MSMEs face in navigating tax systems. That is why engagements like this are crucial in helping businesses understand, adapt, and comply with confidence.”

He commended KRA for introducing Simplified Solutions, a technology-driven initiative that aligns with the Chamber’s goal of easing the cost of doing business and promoting formalization. Mr. Khagram further encouraged KRA to continue conducting similar sensitization forums across the country in collaboration with KNCCI’s county chapters to reach more entrepreneurs at the grassroots level.

“By working together, we can ensure that more businesses benefit from accurate information, digital literacy, and direct interaction with KRA officers,” he added. “This strengthens a culture of voluntary compliance and supports the growth of a more formal, resilient business sector.”

In her remarks, Ms. Patience Njau, Deputy Commissioner, Taxpayer Experience at KRA, commended KNCCI for being an instrumental private-sector partner in advancing taxpayer education and engagement.

“KNCCI has played a vital role in bringing on board businesses and creating the link for KRA both at the national and county levels,” Ms. Njau said. “Our collaboration continues to enhance understanding between the tax authority and entrepreneurs, ensuring that no business is left behind as we simplify processes and embrace .”

The session brought together KRA officials and KNCCI members to deliberate on how simplified tax solutions can reduce administrative burdens, increase compliance, and improve the ease of doing business across Kenya.

KNCCI reiterated its commitment to serving as the bridge between government and the private sector by facilitating constructive dialogue, supporting policy implementation, and advocating for a predictable, transparent tax environment that fosters business growth and competitiveness.

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In an evaluation meeting this morning Friday 27th June 2025, the two institutions reviewed the progress of their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has already delivered significant impact. To date, over 48,000 SMEs—including those in agriculture, mining, and the extractive sectors—have received tailored training. In addition, Equity Bank has disbursed over KES 8.7 billion in financing to more than 8,500 KNCCI members, with a strong focus on youth- and women-led enterprises.

Beyond financial support, the partnership has facilitated trade missions to key regional markets, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Equity Bank’s presence has enabled KNCCI members to explore and secure new business opportunities.

Looking ahead, the two organizations announced plans to scale up their county outreach, with new training sessions scheduled for counties such as Isiolo and Uasin Gishu. The long-term goal is to reach all county chambers across the country.

As new sectoral opportunities emerge, particularly in the leather industry, Equity Bank has identified global market linkages and entered strategic partnerships, including with Italian investors. KNCCI has pledged its support through policy advocacy and market access facilitation, leveraging its strong networks with regional governments and embassies.

The KNCCI–Equity Bank collaboration continues to demonstrate the power of public-private partnerships in unlocking growth, innovation, and financial inclusion for Kenyan enterprises.

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Chamber President Dr Eric Rutto is currently attending the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce 2025 Annual Congress as a guest speaker and panelist. The two day congress to be in Victoria Falls under the theme “Unlocking business potential through policy, partnerships and productivity” will see government, business executives and academia share a platform to discuss how to chart a new course amid a challenging macroeconomic environment locally and regionally. The chamber president joined high profile speakers including Zimbabwe Vice President Constantin Chiwenga, Minister for Industry and Commerce Nqozibitha Ndhlovu, Minister for Finance, Economic Deveopment and Investment Promotion Pro. Mthuli Ncube, Reserve Bank  Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu, chamber presidents from the region.

The Chamber President discussed the need to improve trade volumes between Kenya and Zimbabwe terming the low figures (USD $33M) both a “missed opportunity and an urgent call to unlock potential.” He discussed how KNCCI is engaging its county chapters to shape inclusive policies including: influencing national budget processes to balance fiscal stability with business growth, drive dialogue with government to simplify regulation, reduce compliance costs, and align industrial policy with SME realities.

He also delved into the need for partnerships in promoting cross-border SME collaboration, Joint trade missions and alliances with development finance institutions to unlock capital for youth and women-led enterprises. He challenged the gathering to move away from merely signing MoU’s to building bankable and executable joint ventures.

On productivity he termed Africa’s main challenge as a productivity gap which can be sold by technology, skills and value chain integration. He said KNCCI continues to launch digital marketplaces to link MSMEs across borders and is supporting AfCFTA implementation through real-time data and private sector readiness forums as part of solutions to grow our trade.

He invited the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce—and Zimbabwean businesses—to partner with Kenya through: – Joint trade platforms – Cross-border investments – Youth, women and SME innovation hubs

Dr Rutto will later take part in a panel discussion session titled: “The Road Ahead for AfCFTA Implementation in Zimbabwe: Prospects, Plausibility, and Propositions” alongside Ms. Trudi Hartzenberg Executive Director – Trade Law Centre for Southern Africa (TRALAC), Hon. Sheilla Chikomo Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr. Ayodele Odusola Resident representative – UNDP Zimbabwe, Mr. Djamel Ghrib Director, Economic Development, Integration, and Trade – African Union Commission and Mr. James Chimwaza President – COMESA Business Council

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Acknowledging the significant role MSMEs play in driving economic growth, we agreed that Equity Bank will extend financial support to KNCCI members engaged in both local and international trade.

The two also explored mechanisms to support businesses facing cash flow challenges due to delayed payments, with Equity considering tailored financial solutions as KNCCI continues its advocacy for the settlement of pending bills by private companies, county governments, and the national government.

The meeting concluded with a firm commitment by both institutions to deepen collaboration in empowering and sustaining Kenya’s MSME sector.

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Dr. Rutto identified three key barriers confronting MSMEs in Kenya:

1. Access to Capital
Access to finance remains the most persistent challenge. According to insights presented during the dialogue, only 26.3% of women-led MSMEs in Kenya are able to access formal financial services. Dr. Rutto emphasized that most MSMEs—especially youth- and women-owned businesses operate informally and are thus excluded from mainstream financial services due to lack of registration, proper documentation, and collateral. The product mismatch in loan structures such as high interest rates and inflexible repayment terms further disincentivizes borrowing and growth.

“We must rethink how our financial systems define risk and value, especially for small and youth-led enterprises. Collateral and cash flow should not be the sole indicators of creditworthiness,” noted Dr. Rutto.

2. Specialist Training for MSMEs
Dr. Rutto stressed the importance of targeted training to bridge the financial literacy gap. While the event underscored the role of financial education in enabling access to finance, it also revealed that many young women entrepreneurs lack access to practical, localized training tools that align with their business realities.

Participants of the event called for financial literacy initiatives that:

Use local languages,

Provide simplified loan navigation,

Address the dynamics of caregiving and informal work,

Move beyond knowledge to unlock real financing opportunities.

3. Market Access
Beyond capital and skills, market access was highlighted by Dr. Rutto as a major hurdle. Many young women-run MSMEs remain disconnected from scalable markets due to limited visibility, infrastructural gaps, and weak support ecosystems. This lack of access is even more pronounced in rural areas, where young women are disproportionately excluded from financial and economic participation due to poor infrastructure, seasonal cash flows, and limited outreach from formal institutions.

“For our MSMEs to thrive, we need holistic strategies that connect them not only to finance, but to reliable markets both domestic and international,” Dr. Rutto added.

A Call for Inclusive Solutions
Dr. Rutto concluded by affirming KNCCI’s commitment to working with stakeholders including financial institutions, development partners, and government agencies to co-create inclusive financial products, advocate for reduced compliance barriers, and promote the use of alternative credit assessment tools that value informal but viable enterprises.

The event also emphasized the intersectional barriers faced by vulnerable groups such as young women with disabilities, refugee entrepreneurs, and those from faith groups needing Sharia-compliant financial products—all areas requiring urgent attention for truly inclusive development.

About the Dialogue
The event brought together over 50 young women entrepreneurs, policymakers, and financial sector actors to discuss actionable solutions for improving access to dignified work and finance for young women in Kenya.

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