Chamber to help counties find markets

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry is consulting with various county governments to link them up with niche export markets.

National chairman Kiprono Kittony said counties should tap into the emerging export markets of Nigeria, Turkey and Qatar, especially following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent visits to those countries.

“We want to link traders and investors with the counties to tap into the many resources available all over the country and diversify the product range and grow rural economies,” he said in a statement issued yesterday.

Mr Kittony spoke after a meeting with Kajiado County officials, where Governor David Nkindianye outlined plans to tap into the emerging export markets after identifying potential in agriculture and leather industries.

NEW MARKETS

“We have received offers from business ventures keen to set up base in Kajiado and capitalise on our vibrant livestock industry,” said Dr Nkindianye.

Mr Kittony said Kajiado’s proximity to Nairobi gives it an advantage in the export trade, being near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The national government has been on a mission to open up new markets for Kenyan exports, while boosting the country’s profile to woo new investors.

Dr Nkindianye said his county stood to gain from the good that spills over from the capital city.

He said Kajiado was best placed to benefit from developments such as the bid to address the housing shortage in Nairobi.

He cited as examples the satellite towns of Kitengela, Kiserian and Ngong, which have sprung up due to population pressure in the capital, requiring extra space to accommodate the growing population.

Tomorrow, the national chamber official will meet with Machakos County Governor Alfred Mutua.