The Year of Return Africa (YORA) Summit & Expo Kenya 2025 opened today at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, launching a two-day forum focused on empowering African youth and businesses through innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development. Representing KNCCI Nairobi Chapter Chairman James Mwaura, CEO Christine Mwende reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to fostering African innovation by supporting SMEs and young entrepreneurs with market access, financing, and strategic partnerships for sustainable growth. The event also featured prominent speakers, including Hon. Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley, Minnesota State Representative (District 38A), and Len Khodorkovsky, Senior Advisor to the Chairman at the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue.
The Second Sharia Compliance & Halal Business Expo 2025, held from October 10–12 at BBS Mall in Eastleigh, brought together over 130 exhibitors and more than 5,000 visitors from East Africa, the Middle East, and Asia to showcase a wide range of Halal and Sharia-compliant products and services across finance, real estate, food, fashion, tourism, and investment. KNCCI Nairobi Chapter CEO Christine Mwende praised the expo for strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional hub for Halal innovation and ethical enterprise, noting that such platforms enhance inclusivity, trade, and global competitiveness. The event also featured regional dignitaries, including Somali Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Abdulle, who highlighted the value of cross-border collaboration. Following its success, preparations are already underway for the third edition scheduled for April 2026 in Nairobi.
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The 9th Edition of the AgroFood-Plastpack-Paper Africa Exhibition, held from 21st to 23rd August 2025 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, brought together regional and international players in the agro-food, plastics, packaging, and paper industries to showcase innovations and strengthen trade partnerships. Organized by MXM Dubai Events in collaboration with the Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya and supported by KNCCI Nairobi and the Namibia-Kenya Chamber of Commerce, the event featured KNCCI Nairobi CEO Christine Mwende as Chief Guest, who emphasized the Chamber’s role in fostering business growth, supporting SMEs, and promoting international market linkages. With strong representation from various exhibitors, the exhibition served as a key platform for networking, investment, knowledge sharing, and building supply chain connections essential to Kenya’s economic development.
On 20th – 21st August 2025, KNCCI Nairobi participated in the UN Women Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP) Programme, an initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs by enhancing their access to procurement opportunities in public and private sector supply chains.
Our Programs Manager, Catherine Wairimu, attended the training on behalf of KNCCI Nairobi, joined on the second day by our PR & Communications Officer, Edwin Mburu. On 21st August, KNCCI Nairobi CEO, Christine Mwende, delivered a keynote address that set the tone for the day. In her speech, she highlighted the services and benefits of becoming a KNCCI member while outlining the Chamber’s advocacy and policy initiatives aimed at supporting women in business.
She particularly emphasized the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme, and KNCCI’s continuous engagement with partners to break down barriers limiting women entrepreneurs.
Through this engagement, KNCCI Nairobi reaffirmed its role as a key driver in empowering women-owned and women-led businesses to thrive in procurement and supply chains both locally and globally.
KNCCI Nairobi Chapter proudly kicked off Day One of the Africa Food Show and Hotel Expo Kenya 2025 at KICC on 6th August. Represented by Directors Charles Gitau and Robert Kanyua, alongside CEO Christine Mwende, KNCCI joined key partners including Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya Tourism Federation, TOSK, and leading exhibitors and investors. Organized by GEX and MIE Events, with KNCCI as a strategic partner, the expos run from 6th–8th August, spotlighting East Africa’s fast-growing food, agro-processing, and hospitality sectors. Visit to network, explore partnerships, and tap into regional opportunities.
Our CEO, Christine Mwende, joined 25 African ESOs in a 3-day summit of insights and collaboration. Highlights included cross-border connections, exploring the Conecta Platform for mentorship and incubation, and its official launch. Dr. Maxwell, KNCCI Nairobi Health Chair, shared an inspiring story of resilience, stressing diversification and finance in health entrepreneurship. KNCCI Nairobi remains committed to empowering health innovators through access, mentorship, and collaboration — building African solutions for African challenges.
The World Chambers Federation (WCF) Dinner concluded the two-day international conference themed “Africa’s Global Future: Integrated, Innovative, and Sustainable.” Held at the Serena Hotel on April 10th, the event brought together an esteemed group of global business leaders, policymakers, and chamber representatives to celebrate collaboration, innovation, and Africa’s rising influence in the global economy.
The evening opened with speeches from Dr. James Mwaura of the KNCCI Nairobi Chamber and Chamber President Dr. Erick Rutto, who highlighted WCF’s accomplishments and the crucial role of international partnerships in advancing African enterprises.
John Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), reaffirmed the ICC’s dedication to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development through its global chamber network.
Key partners—Arise IIP, Ecobank, Absa Bank, Centum, the Kenya Tourism Board, and the ICC—were acknowledged for their essential contributions to the event’s success. An awards segment celebrated individuals and organizations that demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and collaboration throughout the forum.
The evening ended with a dinner and networking session, fostering further engagement among participants.
On 13th February 2025, KNCCI Nairobi Chapter, led by Dr. James Mwaura, hosted the WCF Nairobi Community Awareness Breakfast at Serena Hotel, uniting policymakers, business leaders, and investors to drive Africa’s economic growth.
Key Highlights:
- Nairobi to Host WCF Africa Summit 2025
KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto announced Nairobi won the bid, beating Nigeria and South Africa. The summit will feature 350+ exhibition slots and awareness roadshows across Kenya and 50+ countries. - SME Digital Growth & Market Access
Dr. Mwaura encouraged SMEs to digitize, market innovatively, and access blended finance. He unveiled an e-commerce partnership with KNCCI Nairobi County to link local traders to global markets. - Vipingo Free Trade Zone Development
Mr. Raul of Arise IIP discussed their partnership with Centum to develop a 2,000-acre SEZ, targeting agro-processing, IT, logistics, green energy, and more—projected to create 50,000+ jobs. - Nairobi County’s Trade Vision
Chief Officer Jane Wangui outlined plans for 20 modern markets and industrial parks, plus integrated food systems to support farmers and sustainable trade.
On 27th Feb 2025, KNCCI Nairobi joined the CD Connect Networking Dinner, marking 22 years of excellence in talent and workforce solutions. Representing KNCCI were Women in Business Directors Dr. Anne Phoebe Njagi and Sarah Tuwei, alongside key industry leaders.
Dr. Njagi spoke on the role of networking in business growth, stating that true leadership is about influence and empowerment. She shared three key networking tips for women in business:
- Be intentional – Build meaningful relationships.
- Give before you receive – Share knowledge and add value.
- Expand your reach – Connect across industries for new opportunities.
As we celebrate International Women’s Month, KNCCI Nairobi reaffirms its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering impactful collaborations.