Nairobi Chamber

13/05/2026

KNCCI Nairobi Chapter and Mwalimu National DT SACCO Sign Strategic Partnership MOU to Empower SMEs and Entrepreneurs

KNCCI Nairobi Chapter today formalized a strategic partnership with Mwalimu National DT SACCO through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening support for SMEs, entrepreneurs, youth and women-led enterprises, and the wider business community.

The signing ceremony, held at the Mwalimu National SACCO Headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi, brought together leadership from both institutions, business stakeholders, and invited guests for a morning focused on collaboration, enterprise growth, and financial empowerment.

The event featured remarks from the Chair of Mwalimu National DT SACCO Joel Gachari and KNCCI Nairobi Chapter Chairman Dr. James Mwaura, who emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in creating sustainable opportunities for businesses and strengthening the SME ecosystem.

The partnership is expected to create meaningful opportunities for KNCCI Nairobi members and the broader business community through collaborative programs and business support initiatives. Key areas of collaboration highlighted during the ceremony include:

* Financial literacy and business mentorship programs
* SME empowerment and enterprise development initiatives
* Youth and women entrepreneurship support programs
* Business networking and investment linkage opportunities
* Access to tailored financial solutions and SACCO products
* Joint capacity-building forums and strategic business events

The KNCCI Nairobi delegation was led by Chairman Dr. James Mwaura. Also present from the Chamber were Directors Susan Kagundu, Charles Gitau, Alice Mungai, Robert Kanyua, and Sarah Tuwei. The Secretariat team in attendance included Catherine Wairimu, Edwin M. Gichigo, and Nicole Wanjiru.

05/05/2026

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: YELA Business Series 2026

Are you a young entrepreneur ready to grow, scale, and lead your business to the next level?

The KNCCI Nairobi Chapter invites ambitious youth (18–35 years) to apply for the Youth Enterprise & Leadership Accelerator (YELA) 2026..

A structured 6 month incubation program designed to transform your business into an investment-ready enterprise.

✨ What You’ll Gain:
• Expert-led masterclasses & mentorship
• Access to markets, investors & partnerships
• Financial & digital business skills
• Structured growth & accountability framework
• Opportunity to pitch at the YELA Awards Gala

👥 Who Should Apply:
• Early-stage & growth SMEs
• Innovators, founders & business owners
• Youth-led enterprises across all sectors

📅 Program Timeline:
June – December 2026
🎯 Limited Slots Available

📌 Apply Now: https://forms.gle/Qd76XcdctiQ1pqWB6
(Clickable Link in bio)
Don’t just run a business. Build a scalable enterprise.

28/04/2026

FACTORY VISIT: FARISI MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY LIMITED

KNCCI Nairobi Chapter held a factory visit on 24th April 2026 at Farisi Manufacturing Industry Limited, a leading manufacturer of healthy and nutritious maize flour products under the Farisi Premium brand. The visit is part of the Chamber’s continued efforts to strengthen engagement with members and gain first-hand insights into industry operations.

The KNCCI delegation comprised Director Susan Kagundu, Director Anne Phoebe, Director Raphael Waweru, Director Robert Kanyua, CEO Christine Mwende, Programs Manager Catherine Wairimu, and PR Officer Edwin Gichigo. Two KNCCI members also joined the visit. The Farisi team was led by COO Elijah Mungai and CHRO Claudia Wahito, with CEO Anthony Mwangi joining virtually.

During the engagement, Farisi raised several pertinent issues affecting the manufacturing sector. Key among them were licensing challenges, citing the high number of permits required, which significantly increases the cost of production for millers. The company also highlighted unfair competition from informal and non-compliant businesses that operate outside regulatory frameworks.

Concerns were further raised on the volatility of raw material prices, which continues to disrupt planning and pricing stability. On quality assurance, Farisi pointed out gaps at Kenyan border points, noting that regulatory bodies are not consistently enforcing standards to ensure imported raw materials are toxin-free. Additionally, taxation pressures, particularly the standard levy, were cited as a major challenge impacting business sustainability.

The visit provided valuable insights into the challenges facing manufacturers and reaffirmed the need for enhanced policy advocacy, stricter regulatory enforcement, and a more conducive operating environment for compliant businesses.

23/04/2026

Africa Week Business Forum | Cape Town, South Africa
25–27 May 2026
👉 Register now: https://forms.gle/rd6KieL58NBi4tQN8

Connect with businesses and delegates from 20+ African nations at the Africa Week Business Forum. This is a decision-maker ecosystem designed for real deal-making not general networking.

✅ B2B & B2G Sessions
✅ Africa Day Networking Seminar
✅ Site Visits & Government Engagements

EXPECTED OUTCOMES FOR EXECUTIVES
•Entry into Southern African markets and other 20 African countries…
•Strategic joint ventures and partnerships
•Access to investment pipelines
•High-level policy and trade insights
•Strengthened continental business networks

⚠️ Onboarding Deadline: 2nd May 2026 — Limited seats!

For Inquiries: 📞 Christine Mwende | 0715 364 036

Expression of Interest & B2B Matchmaking Form 25–27 May 2026 | Cape Town, South Africa The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry – Nairobi Chapter is organizing a business delegation to participate in Africa Week 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. The event will include B2B meetings, an Af...

16/04/2026

Strengthening Global Trade Partnerships 🤝🌍

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Nairobi Chapter today hosted the Israeli Economic & Trade Mission to Kenya for a high-level engagement with our leadership, including Chairman Dr. James Mwaura, Vice Chairman Ronald Meru, Director Raphael Waweru, and CEO Christine Mwende.

The Israeli delegation was led by Arnon Arbel, Minister for Economic Affairs and Head of the Economic Mission of Israel to Kenya, accompanied by Trade Officers Tanya, Polycarp, and Joanna.

Discussions focused on strengthening sustainable trade and investment linkages between Israeli enterprises and Nairobi’s dynamic private sector. Key areas of collaboration included the expansion of the cosmetics industry into the Kenyan market, fintech innovation and SME financing, as well as partnerships within the blue economy.

A key highlight was the upcoming Israeli Cosmetics Business Seminar scheduled for July 2026, where KNCCI Nairobi will play a strategic role in providing market insights, facilitating B2B engagements, and supporting market entry for international brands.

KNCCI Nairobi remains committed to positioning Kenya as a premier investment destination by connecting global partners with credible local businesses and unlocking new growth opportunities for our members.

This engagement marks the beginning of a promising partnership focused on advancing trade, innovation, and shared prosperity.

CosmeticsIndustry BlueEconomy NairobiBusiness EconomicGrowth

10/04/2026

Applications for YELA 2026 are now open.

If you’re a young entrepreneur (18–35) running a registered business and ready to scale, this is your opportunity to access expert mentorship, investor networks, and real growth support.

📅 April – December 2026
🎯 Limited slots available
⏳ Deadline: 14th April 2026

Apply now: https://forms.gle/Qd76XcdctiQ1pqWB6 (Live Link in Bio)

04/04/2026

Afya Bridge Program Local Pitch Fest

KNCCI Nairobi Chapter successfully hosted the Afya Bridge Program Local Pitch Fest on 2nd April 2026, bringing together innovative healthcare founders for a high-impact day of pitching, mentorship, and engagement.

The initiative convened a strong panel of judges, including Dr. Maxwell Okoth (KNCCI Nairobi Health), Emma Ibutu, a seasoned Business Banking Professional, and Director Susan Kagundu, who evaluated the pitches and provided valuable insights to the entrepreneurs. The session was facilitated by KNCCI Nairobi CEO Christine Mwende, who guided the program and emphasized the importance of structured support for emerging healthcare enterprises.

Throughout the event, founders presented solutions addressing critical gaps in healthcare delivery, showcasing innovation, resilience, and a deep understanding of community needs. The Afya Bridge Program continues to prove itself as a crucial platform for healthcare providers, offering not just visibility, but mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to networks that can accelerate growth and impact.

A huge congratulations to the winner of the day, Mr. Kenneth Ndua, founder of ParaBoda, a community-driven digital health ecosystem bridging the “last-mile” gap by integrating transport, finance, and coordination to improve healthcare access.

KNCCI Nairobi remains committed to supporting such transformative initiatives that strengthen the healthcare ecosystem and empower businesses to scale sustainably.

03/04/2026

KNCCI Nairobi Chapter, in partnership with UN Women, successfully convened a two-day capacity-building program targeting Women Living with Disabilities.

Speaking during the training, the WIB Director emphasized that KNCCI remains intentional about building inclusive economic ecosystems, ensuring that no woman regardless of circumstance is left behind in accessing enterprise and procurement opportunities. Dr. Anne Phoebe underscored that empowering women at the grassroots is not just a social imperative, but a strategic economic driver for Nairobi and Kenya at large.

The training, themed “Vendors Capacity Building on Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP)”, brought together key government and institutional stakeholders:

Officials from the State Department for Gender & Affirmative Action provided an overview of the UAE-SPF Programme and unpacked the principles and application of Gender-Responsive Procurement.

The National Treasury Kenya delivered an in-depth session on the AGPO Programme—covering its legal framework, eligibility, registration process, and access to government tenders—while also onboarding participants onto the Electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system. Notably, all 60 women and caregivers present were successfully enrolled.

The State Department for Trade provided a comprehensive overview of the African Continental Free Trade Area, highlighting its relevance to women entrepreneurs, the opportunities it presents, and practical strategies for accessing regional markets beyond Kenya.
In collaboration with KNCCI, participants were guided through business registration, certification, and compliance, with hands-on support to formalize their enterprises.

03/04/2026

Wishing you a joyful and blessed Easter holiday.

May this season of renewal inspire hope, growth, and new opportunities for you and your business.

02/04/2026

ONE DAY RAPID RESPONSE FORUM

KNCCI Nairobi Chapter, in partnership with CIPE, convened a high-level forum on 31st March 2026, bringing together the private sector and Nairobi City County to address the cost of doing business, regulatory barriers, and county policies. Chairman Dr. James Mwaura reaffirmed the Chamber’s role as the voice of business, calling for a more transparent, predictable, and enabling operating environment.

Key Issues Raised by the Private Sector
Businesses highlighted the rising cost and complexity of operations, citing licensing burdens, infrastructure challenges, limited transparency, and gaps in public participation. Concerns around market disruptions and the treatment of informal traders were also raised.
*NCCG* Chief Officer Markets & Trade Ms. Jane Wangui outlined ongoing efforts to improve market infrastructure, enhance accessibility, and ease business operations, while urging greater collaboration from the private sector.

CIPE’s Commitment
CIPE noted that this partnership comes at a critical time and will focus on strengthening advocacy, improving the policy environment, enhancing US–Africa trade value chains, and building capacity for business membership organizations.

The Way Forward
Nairobi Chamber reiterated its commitment to bridging the gap between business and government and ensuring private sector voices shape policy decisions. CEO Christine Mwende emphasized on the need for guided engagements from NCCG in place of enforcements when dealing with the private sector. The forum, facilitated by Director Susan Kagundu, concluded with a shared commitment to practical, inclusive solutions, with Director Alice Mungai emphasizing the importance of supporting the informal sector.

01/04/2026

WIRE Legends & Leaders Conference 2026

Last Friday, the Women in Real Estate (WIRE) celebrated their 10th Annual Legends & Leaders Conference & Award Ceremony, held at the Trade Mark Hotel, Village Market, Nairobi. Themed “Give to Gain,” the event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and changemakers across the built environment.

KNCCI Nairobi CEO Christine Mwende stood in for the WiB Director Dr. Anne Phoebe Njagi, and delivered an address on the power of women in shaping Kenya’s real estate and construction sectors.

KNCCI Nairobi reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for inclusive procurement, capacity building, and ensuring women remain central to Kenya’s development story.

Congratulations to all the Legends & Leaders recognized on the day!

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