James Kitavi

Kenya's Foreign Policy 2024 centres economic diplomacy and repositions Diplomatic Missions abroad as hubs for the furtherance of economic diplomacy. Real Sources Africa, Kenya’s AfCFTA Trading Company, the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, and the AfCFTA Secretariat initiated a partnership dubbed TradeConnect Africa. Their work has demonstrated momentum and promise, organizing demand with off-takers, aggregating supply from SMEs and manufacturers, and moving significant volumes across our region. Last evening, we signed an MOU with Real Sources Africa, joining this effort with a clear purpose to institutionalise and scale what works using the department's global diplomatic network and policy. Our focus is to embed innovations under trade Connect across Kenya’s Diplomatic Missions as we assure credibility and execution with a view to expand market for Kenya’s goods and services. These platforms will enable Kenya’s Missions to respond faster and more transparently, leveraging data and online engagement to advance Kenya’s interests and spurring inter African trade. I thank Felix Chege, CEO Real Sources for his leadership and appreciate members of the diplomatic corps from Egypt, Pakistan, UK, EU, Ghana, Uganda and others for attending. Specially grateful to EU’s Deputy Head of Misssion and UN Resident Coordinator @UnKenya Dr. Stephen Jackson for gracing the occasion. @ForeignOfficeKE

🚨 Keynote Alert! We’re thrilled to announce that Abud Jama, Chair of @kenya_chamber Mombasa Chapter, will deliver a keynote at the Future Growth Forum - Halal Workshop in Mombasa on June 26 🇰🇪 Don’t miss insights on trade, growth & halal industry opportunities! @KncciMombasa

KNCCI Welcomes @MMWadvocatesKE LLP as Strategic Legal Partner The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) is pleased to welcome MMW Advocates LLP as a new corporate member and strategic legal partner. Earlier today, we had a productive engagement with the firm’s leadership, led by Stella Muraguri, Founder and Managing Partner of MMW Advocates LLP. The partnership marks a significant step in advancing legal empowerment for our members. MMW Advocates LLP is a progressive, full-service law firm offering expert legal services in commercial law, real estate, dispute resolution, intellectual property, ESG advisory, and corporate governance. Their innovative, client-centered approach aligns with KNCCI’s mission to support sustainable business growth. Through this partnership, KNCCI and MMW Advocates LLP will jointly deliver webinars and capacity-building sessions on critical legal topics, including: Intellectual Property (IP) protection for SMEs and exporters Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance and reporting Redundancy laws and labor restructuring under Kenyan legislation Debt collection support via KNCCI satellite offices, particularly for exporters managing cross-border transactions We look forward to a collaborative and impactful partnership that strengthens the legal readiness of our members across sectors. @kitavijk #KNCCI #LegalPartnership #MMWAdvocates #BusinessSupport #SMEs #IPProtection #ESG #CorporateGovernance #KenyaBusiness #Exporters #ChamberOfCommerce #StrategicPartnership

@AhmedFarah__ Godspeed Boss

My tenure as CEO of KNCCI has come to an end. It’s been an honour to lead and contribute to Kenya’s business landscape. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and grateful for the support of our teams and partners. Wishing the Chamber continued success. On to new chapters.

Finsco Consulting Africa (@FinscoAfrica) partners with KNCCI to expand in the diaspora market, connect with investors, optimize building material supply chains, & boost visibility. Together, we drive real estate & business growth across Africa!

This morning, we had the pleasure of engaging with PJ Dave Flowers Group (@pjdaveflowers), a valued Silver Member of KNCCI. We were warmly hosted by the Director, Mr. Bhavesh PJ Dave, and Group General Manager, Mr. Amit Singh. With over 20 years of excellence, PJ Dave Flowers Group has grown into a global leader in premium rose cultivation and export, renowned for their superior quality, vibrant colors, and extended vase life. As the largest producer and exporter of Rhodos roses, their exquisite blooms—recognized globally under names like Madam Red, Moon Walk, Athena, Mandala, and Wedding Bell—are highly sought after in 60 countries, from Australia to Bahrain, Thailand to Norway. Beyond their roses, PJ Dave Flowers Group also exports a rich variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including: 🍐 Avocados (Hass, Fuerte, Jumbo) 🥭 Mangoes (Apple, Tommy, Kent, Ngowe) 🍍 Pineapples & Passion Fruits 🥦 Vegetables (Fine Beans, Snow Peas, Sugar Snaps, Garden Peas) 🌿 Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Chives, Tarragon) As they expand their exports to the Middle East, one of their key challenges remains high freight costs, which are currently less competitive compared to neighboring EAC countries like Tanzania and Uganda. Addressing such industry barriers is a top priority for KNCCI, as we continue advocating for a more competitive business environment for our members. We appreciate PJ Dave Flowers Group for their commitment to excellence and innovation, and we look forward to a strong and impactful partnership.

We are pleased to welcome Novotel Hotel Limited as a Silver Member of KNCCI. This morning, Mr. James Kitavi (@kitavijk), KNCCI Head of Membership Services, engaged with Novotel Hotel's leadership, including General Manager Mr.Fabio Gonsalves, Director of Sales & Marketing Mr. Joseph Kimondo, and Sales Manager Ms. Faith Mutungu, to explore areas of collaboration. A key focus of the discussion was the KNCCI Affinity Program, which will offer exclusive discounts on conference facilities and accommodation for KNCCI members. We are excited to have Novotel Hotel on board and look forward to a strong and fruitful partnership.

East African Breweries Limited (@EABL_PLC) has been a long-standing Platinum Member of KNCCI, primarily leveraging the Certificate of Origin platform to facilitate exports. This afternoon, KNCCI’s Head of Membership Services, Mr. James Kitavi (@kitavijk), paid a courtesy visit to EABL’s Head of Public Policy, Mr. Zach Munyi, to express appreciation for their continued patronage through annual membership subscriptions. The meeting also focused on strengthening collaboration in policy and advocacy for a predictable tax regime and supporting sustainability initiatives, including Project Rudisha, which promotes glass bottle collection and recycling for effective waste management. We value our partnership with EABL and remain committed to enhancing member benefits and driving impactful collaborations.

#RamadanMubarak2025 🌙

At the KNCCI Headquarters in Nairobi, we had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Robert Nyasimi, Group CEO & Founder of RentCo Africa Limited @RentCoAfrica, along with Ms. Florence, Head of Corporate Communications. They were warmly welcomed by our CEO, Mr. Ahmed Farah, HSC @AhmedFarah__, and Mr. James Kitavi @kitavijk, Head of Membership Services. RentCo Africa has been a Platinum Member of KNCCI for several years, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the incredible support they’ve shown to our business community. Just last week, they shared their expertise in a webinar, helping our members understand the important differences between leasing and buying—a topic that can be a game-changer for many businesses. With operations in five African countries, RentCo Africa isn’t just a market leader—they’re helping businesses across the continent find smarter, more efficient solutions. We’re thrilled to continue working together, and we’re looking forward to seeing them shine at the upcoming WCF Africa Summit. There, they’ll connect with other businesses and showcase innovative leasing solutions that are driving real growth across Africa. #WCFAfrica

World chamber federation Africa summit launch. @kenya_chamber @DrErickRutto @iccwbo @WorldChambers @Trade_Kenya @ForeignOfficeKE @StateHouseKenya @HassanAliJoho @SingoeiAKorir @PSAhassan @JeddahChamber @RiyadhChamber @QatarChamber @DubaiChambers @OmanChamber @USChamber @frkenya_chamber @AdimMayotte

The President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Erick Rutto, welcomed Ambassador Luis Levit and the Embassy team to explore collaboration opportunities aimed at boosting trade in key sectors like #agriculture, #tourism, and #technology.

Special thanks to Mustapha Ramadhan, @kenya_chamber Vice President; Ahmed Farah, KNCCI CEO; and James Kitavi, KNCCI General Manager, for their valuable participation. @kenya_chamber @DrErickRutto @AhmedFarah__ @kitavijk

HAPPENING NOW: THE WCF AFRICA SUMMIT 2025 LAUNCH AT THE J.W MARRIOT, NAIROBI - KENYA #WCFAfrica

In a press briefing today, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto @DrErickRutto officially announced Kenya's hosting of the WCF Africa Summit 2025, set for April 9-11, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) @KICC_kenya. He was joined by key leaders, including Richard Ngatia @Ngatia_Richard, Kiprono Kittony, EBS @KipronoKittony, Eng. Patrick Obath @pobath, and Ahmed Farah, HSC @AhmedFarah__. Richard Ngatia praised Dr. Rutto for his leadership in securing the hosting bid, highlighting the summit’s role in advancing KNCCI’s global economic influence. Kiprono Kittony, emphasized the summit as a platform for Kenya and Africa to showcase themselves as prime business and investment destinations, urging businesses to become KNCCI @kenya_chamber members to enjoy membership benefits. "The Summit is a testament to Africa's readiness for the global stage. By promoting partnerships and supporting innovation, this summit will create a blueprint for sustainable growth, a key role in shaping Africa's economic future,” added Eng. Patrick Obath, ICC Paris Vice President and ICC Kenya President. Ahmed Farah, HSC, invited investors and entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity for direct global market engagement. The summit will convene 4,500 delegates, 350 exhibitors, and global stakeholders, focusing on trade, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa. The objectives of the WCF Africa Summit 2025 are to: boost trade and investment, promote sustainability, foster inclusive growth, advocate for global business tools, empower MSMEs, drive innovation and technological advancements, and strengthen regional integration. Who should attend? Global business leaders, African enterprises, investors, and government stakeholders. #WCF2025 #AfricaLeads #ChambersForGrowth

KNCCI CEO Mr. Ahmed Farah, HSC @AhmedFarah__ today paid a courtesy visit to Principal Secretary for State Department of Investment Promotion Abubakar Hassan @PSAhassan The meeting explored areas of mutual interest and collaboration, focusing on enhancing Kenya’s business environment, attracting investments, and advancing the country’s economic agenda. Mr. Farah reiterated KNCCI's readiness to collaborate with the State Department to create policies that foster economic growth. The CEO also briefed the PS on the progress of the #WCF2025 Africa Summit and discussed the structures laid for its successful planning and execution. Accompanying the CEO were Mr. James Kitavi @kitavijk (Head of Membership) & Ms. Maureen Macharia (Head of Trade Development). #InvestmentPromotion #EconomicGrowth #KNCCI #WCF2025

KNCCI @kenya_chamber is thrilled to welcome Nairobi GTC Industry Ltd (GTC) @GTCKenya1 as a KNCCI Platinum Member. GTC is redefining luxury and innovation with world-class 3A+ Grade offices, the luxurious JW Marriott Hotel, premium Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, stunning GTC Residences, and the elegant GTC Boutique Mall. As they set their sights on connecting with Kenyans in the diaspora, GTC will collaborate with KNCCI’s satellite offices to expand their real estate footprint and offer unmatched value. Here’s to a powerful partnership and building a prosperous future together!

This morning, KNCCI @kenya_chamber, led by our Head of Membership Services, James Kitavi @kitavijk, had a productive meeting with Montgomery Group's Programme Manager Meshack Kaburi and Event Manager Shirley Gikonyo. As a proud long-time KNCCI member, Montgomery Group @Montgomery_1895 is the powerhouse behind renowned international exhibitions like Propak East Africa, Securexpo East Africa, and the Kenya Food Event. Key Highlights: 1. Propak 2025 is set for May and will shine a spotlight on the packaging, processing, and print industries. 2. KNCCI was offered a dedicated pavillion for its members and exclusive speaking opportunities for industry leaders to showcase their innovations. Both parties committed to a fully collaborative effort to make this event a massive success! Montgomery Group reaffirmed their dedication to engaging MSMEs and creating more opportunities for growth.

As we conclude the year 2024, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) @KRACorporate has played a pivotal role in engaging with our members through various initiatives aimed at enhancing tax literacy. This has included virtual sensitization forums designed to educate and empower our members on tax matters. Looking ahead to 2025, we held a meeting this morning with the KRA Stakeholder Management team, led by the Chief Manager, Stakeholder Management, Mr. Andrew Osiany. Both KRA and KNCCI @kenya_chamber are planning regional dialogues for MSMEs under the "Mashinani Drive" initiative. These forums aim to address tax-related issues, gather feedback from members, and foster stronger relationships between KRA and KNCCI county chapters. The forums will be held at the county level, culminating in a National MSMEs Roundtable in 2025. Additionally, KNCCI and KRA are considering developing a joint calendar to engage businesses across all 47 counties, leveraging the shared presence of both organizations. Key focus areas include: ✅Encouraging businesses to engage with KRA for assistance in formalization. ✅Sensitizing businesses on KRA functions and services. ✅Using member insights to help KRA improve tax compliance tools and services. We value our strong relationship with the Kenya Revenue Authority and remain committed to continuous collaboration. These engagements aim to address our members’ needs and foster a better tax environment while enhancing knowledge on tax matters.

KNCCI Membership and Policy & Advocacy teams visited Ms. June Ndegwa, Managing Director of Plutus Potts Limited, a KNCCI @kenya_chamber Patron Member. The discussion centered on understanding Plutus Potts' operations, exploring collaboration opportunities to support investors entering Kenya, and addressing challenges such as declining FDIs due to political instability. Plutus Potts, a consultancy firm, empowers investors with strategies for sustainable growth, informed decision-making, risk assessment, and insights into emerging opportunities. Together, we aim to foster stronger investor-business linkages in Kenya. @KNCCINairobi @KncciMombasa