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.

The post KNCCI Powers Value Addition Through Direct Factory Linkages in China appeared first on KNCCI.

Today Tuesday 29th October 2025, KNCCI National Director Ken Onditi represented Chamber President Dr. Erick Rutto at the 2025 Africa International Agricultural Expo (AIAE), currently taking place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) under the theme “Improving Agricultural Productivity in Africa through Innovations and Market Access.” The Expo has brought together over 100 exhibitors from more than 10 countries, highlighting the continent’s agricultural potential and serving as a hub for technology, trade, and investment in agribusiness. KNCCI is a strategic partner in this event, working alongside Agri-Africa Exhibition Ltd to promote Africa’s agricultural transformation through collaboration and innovation.

In his address, Mr. Onditi reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to driving private sector–led growth in agriculture, noting that “agriculture remains the backbone of Africa’s economy, contributing an average of 30–40% of GDP and employing over 60% of the continent’s population.” He added that in Kenya, the sector contributes over 33% of GDP and supports more than 75% of rural livelihoods, yet it still faces persistent challenges such as climate change, low productivity, limited access to finance, and restricted market access. The Expo, he said, was conceptualized to bridge these gaps by connecting policymakers, financiers, innovators, and entrepreneurs from across Africa to collaborate and forge sustainable solutions.

Mr. Onditi emphasized that the Expo provides a strategic opportunity to showcase innovations driving agricultural transformation, explore cross-border trade and investment, and promote the inclusion of youth and women in agribusiness. He highlighted KNCCI’s active role in facilitating trade and investment, strengthening value chains, and promoting access to agribusiness financing and global markets. He also underscored the Chamber’s collaboration with national and county governments, as well as development partners, to enhance productivity and competitiveness in agriculture.

In conclusion, Mr. Onditi called on investors, innovators, and development partners to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Expo, saying: “Together, we can transform agriculture into a wealth-creating sector for our people and position Africa not just as a food producer, but as a global leader in sustainable agribusiness.” He extended appreciation to Agri-Africa Exhibition Ltd, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and all sponsors, exhibitors, and international partners for their contribution to the success of the event. The event was officially opened by Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture  Dr. Kiprono Ronoh, CBS and was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Kenya H.E. Guo Haiyan, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Kenya, South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kenya among other diginitaries.

The post KNCCI Champions Agribusiness Transformation at the 2025 Africa International Agricultural Expo appeared first on KNCCI.

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) participated in the China–Kenya Expo, an event that brought together key players from both countries to showcase opportunities for trade and investment.

During the expo, KNCCI Acting CEO Mr. KK Mutai signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME). The MoU builds on strategic discussions held on 3 September 2025, focusing on reducing the cost of doing business, promoting digital trade platforms, and fostering bilateral cooperation in agro-processing, technology, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Following the signing, Ag CEO Mr. KK Mutai proceeded to tour the exhibition booths, engaging with exhibitors and stakeholders to explore opportunities for Kenyan businesses and deepen market linkages.

The post KNCCI Signs MoU with CCCME at China–Kenya Expo appeared first on KNCCI.

Only 20% of medicines consumed in Kenya are produced locally—creating a massive investment opportunity in the pharmaceutical sector,

Dr. Karanja was speaking during a high-level panel on “Africa Healthcare Megatrends” at the Equinox Outsourced Service China-Africa Business Forum, where he represented KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto.

He noted that while Kenya has the necessary raw materials and ingredients to manufacture medicinal drugs, the country still lacks the requisite technology and infrastructure. “What we need is investment in technology, not ingredients,” Dr. Karanja emphasized.

He encouraged international pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare investors—particularly those from China—to take advantage of Kenya’s investment-ready platforms, such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs). These zones offer a streamlined, cost-effective environment for setting up manufacturing operations, with favorable tax regimes, logistics support, and policy incentives.

“Kenya’s Special Economic Zones are purpose-built to help investors set up quickly, economically, and with ease of doing business at the center,” Dr. Karanja stated.

The panel discussion touched on the broader trends in Africa’s healthcare landscape, with panelists agreeing that Africa must move from being primarily an importer of medicines to becoming a continental producer—starting with countries like Kenya that already have the human capital and growing demand.

Dr. Karanja reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to facilitating partnerships between Kenyan enterprises and international investors to help scale up pharmaceutical production, enhance healthcare access, and reduce import dependency.

The post Kenya Offers Huge Opportunity for Pharmaceutical Investment – KNCCI’s Dr. George Karanja Tells Africa Healthcare Forum appeared first on KNCCI.

The post KNCCI and AHK Strengthen Kenya-Germany Economic Cooperation appeared first on KNCCI.