The delegation was received by KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto alongside Richard Ndung’u, Chairperson of the KNCCI Kenya–China (Asia) Committee. The meeting focused on identifying practical opportunities to increase Kenyan exports to the Chinese market while deepening commercial partnerships between businesses from the two countries.

A key area of discussion was the immense potential for expanding exports of Kenyan agricultural products to China. The two sides explored opportunities to increase market access for premium Kenyan commodities including tea, coffee, macadamia nuts, avocados, and other high-value agricultural produce, leveraging China’s growing consumer market and demand for quality food products.

The meeting also highlighted opportunities in Kenya’s mining sector, with particular interest expressed in the country’s manganese resources. Discussions centred on fostering partnerships that would promote responsible investment, value addition, and sustainable development within the mining industry.

Speaking during the meeting, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to facilitating international trade by connecting Kenyan businesses with global markets and creating strategic partnerships that unlock new opportunities for local enterprises.

“China remains one of Kenya’s most important trading partners. KNCCI is committed to supporting initiatives that increase Kenyan exports, diversify our export basket, and create sustainable market linkages for our businesses. By strengthening partnerships with Chinese investors and buyers, we can unlock greater opportunities for our farmers, manufacturers, and mining sector players while contributing to Kenya’s economic growth.”

Richard Ndung’u, Chairperson of the KNCCI Kenya–China (Asia) Committee, emphasized the Committee’s role in facilitating business-to-business engagements and promoting mutually beneficial trade relations between the two countries. He noted that sustained dialogue and collaboration would help address market access challenges while opening new avenues for investment and technology transfer.

The Chinese delegation was led by Zhang Jie, Team Leader from the Hehehui Cultural Exchange Center, and comprised senior executives from leading Chinese companies representing manufacturing, food technology, industrial development, technology, education, and investment sectors.

The delegation included:

• Ji Rongzhong, Chairman, Beijing Wumu Garment Co., Ltd.
• Lin Zhikuan, General Manager, Zhangzhou Zhongmiao Food Technology Co., Ltd.
• Yang Herong, Chairman, Zhongzhe Holding Group Co., Ltd.
• Yang Mingwei, Chairman, Anhui Houcheng Technology Co., Ltd.
• Cizhongcaiyuan, Chairman, Tibet Cidelin Industrial Development Co., Ltd.
• Zhang Xiumei, Deputy General Manager, Tibet Cidelin Industrial Development Co., Ltd.
• Yang Yuliang, Chairman, Zunyi Jianguo Senior High School Co., Ltd.

The engagement forms part of KNCCI’s broader strategy to strengthen economic diplomacy and promote Kenya as a preferred trade and investment destination. Through such strategic engagements, the Chamber continues to create platforms that connect Kenyan businesses with international markets, facilitate investment partnerships, and enhance bilateral trade between Kenya and China.

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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 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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Marsabit County was represented by its Trade and Tourism leadership, including the CEC Jeremy Ledani, the Director of Trade Hussein Kasa, and the County Director of Tourism Abdulahi Ibrahim, CEO Trade and Tourism Mahad Mohamed alongside other technical officers. The engagement focused on identifying areas of collaboration that will support Marsabit’s ambition to position itself as a top investment destination in Kenya and the Horn of Africa.

The Marsabit County Government team highlighted several comparative advantages that make it a strong prospect for investors. The county is richly endowed with gold, coltan/derilium, salt, copper, and other minerals, offering significant potential for mining and value addition. Its strategic location along the cross-border corridor between Kenya and Ethiopia also positions it as a gateway for regional and international trade.

Beyond natural resources, Marsabit boasts exceptional tourism assets such as Lake Paradise, the Chalbi Desert sand dunes, Lake Turkana, and unique wildlife heritage—including the legendary Ahmed, Kenya’s most iconic elephant. The county is also known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse communities, providing opportunities for cultural tourism, conservation investments, and eco-tourism development.

Both KNCCI and the Marsabit County Government agreed to jointly organize pre-investment conferences in Nairobi in the coming months. These forums will aim to create awareness, mobilize partners, and attract both local and international investors ahead of the main expo.

KNCCI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting counties in promoting trade, investment, and enterprise development, and emphasized that the Chamber will continue to work closely with Marsabit to ensure the success of the 2026 Investors Expo.

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Theme:

The Elgeyo Marakwet business community, government leaders, and development partners convened yesterday for a high-level Business Dinner held in preparation for the Elgeyo Marakwet International Business Forum 2025. The dinner, jointly organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) – Elgeyo Marakwet Chapter, the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet, and Kaptagat Integrated, brought together key stakeholders to discuss investment readiness and position the county as a competitive regional hub.

Speakers emphasized unlocking strategic opportunities across agriculture, value addition, sports tourism, hospitality, and trade. The conversations highlighted Elgeyo Marakwet’s unique strengths—including its globally acclaimed athletic heritage—and its readiness to attract local and international investors.

Governor Wesley Rotich reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment climate. He noted that security and stability remain top priority as the county expands its outreach to external and international investors. He highlighted new openings in mango, avocado, macadamia, and coffee value chains, emphasizing that the county is proactively seeking partners to drive value addition and agro-industrial growth.

Chief Guest Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo outlined the national government’s investment priorities for the region, citing infrastructure gaps as a major barrier to growth. He announced upcoming plans for improved road connectivity, including the Rironi corridor, which will boost market access for farm produce and enhance tourism flows—particularly in high-altitude sports tourism.

Dr. Kiptoo also applauded the county’s agricultural potential, noting that Elgeyo Marakwet’s mango varieties have one of the highest sugar contents in the country, positioning them favourably for export, juice manufacturing, and pulp production. He urged the county to enhance its global positioning while embedding sustainability in all development initiatives.

KNCCI Ag. CEO  K.K Mutai, in his address, emphasized KNCCI’s commitment to catalyzing investment and strengthening enterprise competitiveness. He reiterated the Chamber’s role in facilitating market linkages, trade missions, SME capacity building, and global partnerships.

“Elgeyo Marakwet is not only Kenya’s athletic capital; it is an emerging investment powerhouse,” he said. “From agriculture and value addition to sports tourism and MSME development, investors will find immense untapped potential here. KNCCI stands ready to support their journey, remove barriers, and connect them to global markets.”

He highlighted opportunities outlined in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP 2023–2027), including dairy, horticulture, potatoes, apiculture, pyrethrum, and high-value livestock. He further underscored the Chamber’s national programmes in digital skills, e-commerce, export readiness, and SME financing that will benefit county enterprises.

Mutai called on local, regional, and international investors to explore partnerships ahead of the 2025 Summit:

“Elgeyo Marakwet is open for business and KNCCI is your gateway. Together, we can unlock prosperity for this county and build a globally competitive economic model for Kenya.”

The Business Dinner concluded with a renewed commitment among partners to champion investment promotion, strengthen public–private collaboration, and elevate Elgeyo Marakwet as a centre of excellence in trade, sports, tourism, and agriculture.

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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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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) hosted a productive engagement with a high-level delegation from Hunan Province, China, led by Richard Ndung’u, Chair of the KNCCI Kenya-China (Asia) Committee.

The meeting brought together KNCCI members who participated in the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) held in Hunan in June 2025, alongside senior officials from the . The discussions centered on expanding business collaboration, enhancing trade relations, and identifying new investment opportunities between Kenya and China.

Participants shared valuable feedback on the outcomes of CAETE 2025, noting the positive impact it had in strengthening commercial partnerships and facilitating business-to-business connections. The meeting also reviewed progress on the KNCCI Representative Office in Hunan Province, which continues to serve as a strategic hub for promoting Kenya’s trade and investment interests in China.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and driving bilateral trade growth, particularly in manufacturing, agribusiness, technology, and infrastructure sectors. The engagement underscored KNCCI’s ongoing role in fostering mutually beneficial relationships that open new market opportunities for Kenyan enterprises within the Asian region.

Through continued collaboration with partners in Hunan and beyond, KNCCI remains dedicated to supporting Kenyan businesses in accessing global markets, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

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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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