Members of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) across all business sectors will soon benefit from enhanced long-term financial planning tools following a strategic partnership meeting. While the collaboration places a strong initial focus on the Women in Business (WiB) framework, the initiative is set to expand across the Chamber’s entire entrepreneurial membership base.

The foundational discussions, aimed at formalizing a partnership and co-creating a joint implementation program, were led by KNCCI CEO KK Mutai, KNCCI National Director & WIB Chair Zainab Mohamed and Ken Mwenda alongside KNEST representatives Lucy Kamau and Morris Andande. The upcoming joint program is designed to integrate pension education and KNEST’s flexible, mobile-first savings solutions directly into KNCCI’s national program calendar and county outreach forums.

By establishing this structured framework, KNCCI and KNEST seek to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to build sustainable financial resilience. The joint initiative will empower business owners to secure their future, bridging the gap in retirement preparedness and fostering long-term financial security across Kenya’s diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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The conference opened with a warm welcome from KNCCI CEO KK Mutai, who emphasized the importance of supporting women and youth in business. Chamber President Dr Erick Rutto emphasized the importance role played by the Women in Business committee in the Chamber as an important platform to allow women enjoy the benefits KNCCI offers. Women in Business (WIB) Chair Zainab Mohammed delivered a keynote address, underscoring that women control a significant portion of Kenya’s SMEs, and their active participation is essential for economic growth. She highlighted the importance of mentorship, digital literacy, and cross-border partnerships to empower women entrepreneurs nationwide.

A key feature of the conference was the panel discussions held after lunch, which brought together prominent women leaders from various sectors. Moderated by Debora Tendo Auko, the session featured influential voices including Grace Munjiri, Chair of Women in Public Relations; Salome Kavindu, President of the Organization of Women in Trade; Frida Owinga, Founder of WEconnect International; Roselyne Nganga, Founder of Alkhemy Brands Limited; and Robyn Emerson, Founder and first President of WIRE. These leaders shared their experiences and committed to acting as role models and mentors, inspiring young women entrepreneurs across the country.

In a landmark announcement, Zainab Mohammed and Vice President of the Vilnius Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (VCCIC) L. Aldonė agreed to launch a virtual marketplace starting next month. This platform will facilitate networking and business connections between Kenyan and Lithuanian companies, with a vision for an upcoming trade mission to strengthen bilateral trade. This initiative is expected to open new market opportunities for women-led businesses in Kenya, particularly in agriculture, digital services, and creative industries.

The conference also featured knowledge-sharing sessions on digitalization, cybersecurity, and core business skills, with experts from Lithuania presenting successful models that could be adapted to Kenya’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Attendees explored lessons from Lithuania’s digital startup ecosystem, EdTech initiatives, and cybersecurity strategies, emphasizing the role of digital literacy in scaling businesses.

Closing remarks from KNCCI leadership celebrated the achievements of women entrepreneurs and reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to fostering an inclusive business environment. The day concluded with a networking cocktail, providing participants with opportunities to build relationships and explore partnerships.

The International Women’s Day event at the Skills for Women and Youth Conference reinforced the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs in Kenya, equipping them with the skills, networks, and international linkages needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive economy.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) is proud to announce the successful completion of Phase 2 of the Study Tour on Small Commodity Market Construction for Developing Countries, held from November 1–6, 2025, in China. KNCCI is also represented by Alice Wanjiku – Director Nairobi Chapter,  Andrew Laekono – Chair Samburu Chapter and Laura Kandie – Director Elgeyo Marakwet Chapter while the membership is represented by Michael Omino – DTB Bank and Leon Mbugua – Game Stream Ltd.

The program was hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and organized by Zhejiang Normal University.

Representing Kenya with distinction, KNCCI Women in Business Chairlady Ms. Zainab Mohammed served as the Team Leader of the Kenya Delegation, which joined participants from nine other developing countries for an immersive six-day program. The study tour provided a unique opportunity to explore China’s dynamic small commodity market ecosystem, digital trade innovations, and manufacturing excellence.

A Learning Journey Across China’s Innovation Hubs

The field program connected four major Chinese cities — Yiwu, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Jinyun, and Yongkang — each showcasing a different dimension of China’s trade and industrial success.

• In Yiwu, often called the World’s Supermarket, participants examined how China transformed small commodities into a global business. Through lectures and site visits, delegates explored digital market management systems, multilingual trade services, and cross-border e-commerce strategies that power Yiwu’s international success.
• In Hangzhou, the delegation gained insights into the integration of education, culture, and digital innovation. Visits to Wansong Academy and Dream Town provided exposure to cutting-edge technologies such as AR (augmented reality) in trade promotion and data-driven decision-making tools like the Yiwu Index.
• In Shanghai, participants experienced the intersection of creativity, culture, and commerce. Discussions focused on how China is commercializing intangible cultural heritage to empower rural economies — lessons that can inspire local artisans and women-led enterprises in Kenya.
• In Jinyun and Yongkang, delegates visited advanced manufacturing enterprises and engaged in trade roundtables with local industry and commerce federations. The conversations opened pathways for future economic partnerships and technology transfer between Kenya and China.

Kenya’s Representation and Achievements

As Team Leader, Ms. Zainab played a pivotal role in representing Kenya’s private sector and promoting the interests of Kenyan SMEs, women entrepreneurs, and manufacturers. She highlighted Kenya’s growing potential in small-scale manufacturing, creative industries, and cross-border e-commerce, emphasizing the importance of market linkages, innovation, and value addition.

Speaking at the closing session, Ms. Zainab expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Commerce of China and Zhejiang Normal University for facilitating knowledge exchange among developing countries. She noted that the lessons learned from China’s small-commodity market model will be cascaded to KNCCI members through capacity-building forums and knowledge-sharing sessions.

“This study tour was more than just a learning experience — it was an eye-opener on how innovation, structure, and strong market linkages can transform small enterprises into global players. KNCCI will ensure that these lessons translate into actionable programs for our members, especially women in business and SMEs,” said Ms. Zainab.

Cascading the Lessons to KNCCI Members

KNCCI, through its Women in Business Committee, plans to roll out targeted training and mentorship programs inspired by the insights gained from the study tour. These will include:

• Workshops on market access and trade logistics for small-scale traders and manufacturers.
• Digital commerce training to enhance online marketing and export readiness among SMEs.
• Cultural and creative enterprise development sessions to help local artisans commercialize heritage products sustainably.
• Partnership forums to explore trade opportunities with Chinese enterprises and other developing countries represented in the seminar.

By adapting China’s practical experiences to Kenya’s business landscape, KNCCI aims to strengthen local value chains, improve competitiveness, and enhance members’ participation in international trade.

Towards Global Cooperation and Inclusive Growth

The Seminar on Small Commodity Market Construction for Developing Countries underscored the value of openness, collaboration, and shared learning among nations. For KNCCI, this partnership marks another milestone in advancing South–South cooperation and fostering inclusive trade development.

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The event brought together stakeholders from government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to strengthen collaboration in supporting women-led small and medium enterprises (WSMEs). The SHE GROWS Programme, a strategic initiative, seeks to unlock the growth potential of women-owned businesses by addressing barriers such as limited access to finance, underdeveloped support systems, and gender-based biases.

In his keynote address, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized that when women grow, the nation flourishes. He highlighted KNCCI’s ongoing efforts through the Women in Business (WIB) Committee, established in 2016, to empower, connect, and champion women entrepreneurs across all 47 counties.

“Our vision is simple has the tools, networks, and opportunities to grow her business and transform her community,” Dr. Rutto said. “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.”

Dr. Rutto outlined findings from the KNCCI 2025 Business Barometer, noting that women own 40% of Kenyan businesses but continue to face challenges such as limited access to capital, gender bias, and low participation in public procurement despite policy provisions. He detailed KNCCI’s interventions through initiatives like the Chamber Business Academy, the Isoko Platform, and the AGPO Strengthening Project, all designed to boost women’s competitiveness and inclusion in trade and investment.

KNCCI Advisor on Women in Business, Ms. Nancy Muthoni, also participated actively in the programme — both in the opening session and as a panelist in the discussion on Strengthening the Women-Led SME Ecosystem. She emphasized the importance of building supportive networks and ensuring that women entrepreneurs are integrated into regional and global supply chains.

The event featured sessions on finance, investment readiness, and market access, with partners such as the     and the EU Delegation sharing insights and partnership opportunities.

The roundtable concluded with a commitment ceremony co-led by Dr. Erick Rutto and IFC’s Marieme Niang, where stakeholders pledged to support the implementation of the SHE GROWS programme.

KNCCI pledged its commitment to championing inclusive growth, advocating for gender-responsive policies, and fostering partnerships that ensure women-owned businesses are not just participants but drivers of Kenya’s economic transformation.

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Speaking during the event Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs chief administrative secretary Rachel Shebesh urged women entrepreneurs to explore opportunities under the government’s access to government procurement opportunities programme. She added that under the programme women and the youth stand to gain access over 500 billion shillings hence the importance of the partnership between the Chamber and the Kenya Bankers Association as it would help them fund any orders. Shebesh also said the government was in the process of writing to credit reference bureaus to delist companies and individuals who had been listed as a result of delayed payment by the government and its agencies.

Chamber President Richard Ngatia highlighted improved relations between KNCCI and development partners especially envoys during the past 100 days with 22 ambassadors and high commissioners having paid him a courtesy visit since June. He also announced that the construction of a SME repository center in partnership with Sidian Bank was nearing completion and would act as an information center.

He added that the Chamber was working with women and youth through capacity building and training to ensure that they can deliver on AGPO. He further revealed that the Chamber is in discussions with the Kenya Revenue Authority so that startups under three years can receive a tax amnesty while mentoring them over the same period.

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