KNNCCI and KAM Partner with British High Commission in $540,000 Deal to Empower Women and Youth in Business

By Collins Wanzallah, The Dispatch Digital

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) have signed a significant grant agreement worth $540,000 with the British High Commission (BHC), under the Regional Economic Development for Investment and Trade (REDIT) Programme, implemented by TradeMark Africa (TMA). This collaboration is set to boost sustainable and inclusive growth by engaging 210 Kenyan Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) owned by women and youth, helping them tap into opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The agreement was formalized during the KNCCI Exporters’ Roundtable, held at a Nairobi hotel on Tuesday, where the KNCCI Exporters’ Booklet was also launched. The event was officiated by Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Industry in the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry (MITI). Dr. Mukhwana expressed the government’s strong support for the partnership, highlighting the importance of unity and strategic cooperation as encouraged by AfCFTA.

“This collaboration epitomizes the spirit of unity and strategic cooperation that AfCFTA encourages among African enterprises. We are particularly thrilled about the potential for these partnerships to catalyse innovation, enhance competitive advantage, and elevate our presence in the global market,” said Dr. Mukhwana. He further emphasized that the partnership demonstrates how collective efforts and strategic alliances can significantly amplify Kenya’s impact on both regional and international stages.

British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, expressed his pride in the partnership, stating that the embassy is committed to ensuring that hard-working Kenyans, particularly women and young people, can realize their potential and succeed in their innovative and diverse businesses. “This is another brilliant example of how the UK-Kenya partnership is bringing real benefits to Kenya and its people, going far together,” said Wigan.

Ahmed Farah, Country Director for TradeMark Africa (TMA) Kenya, highlighted the importance of this partnership in accelerating intra-African trade. “Our goal is not only to increase the number of Kenyan SMEs exporting under AfCFTA but also to support them in diversifying their export products. This will ultimately boost the volume and value of Kenyan exports, thereby strengthening the country’s economic resilience,” Farah remarked.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, SMEs account for approximately 98% of businesses in Kenya, contributing over 30% of jobs annually. The importance of supporting these enterprises was echoed by KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto, who stressed that SMEs are the backbone of Kenya’s economy and the continent at large. “By helping them leverage the opportunities provided by the AfCFTA, we anticipate job creation opportunities, poverty reduction, and sustainable development in Kenya and across the region,” said Dr. Rutto.

Tobias Alando, Acting Chief Executive and Chief Operations Officer at KAM, emphasized that the successful implementation of this initiative will have a transformative impact on Kenya’s trade dynamics, both within the AfCFTA and globally. “We are confident that the interventions outlined in this partnership will equip our SMEs with the necessary tools to thrive in a competitive marketplace,” Alando added.