New export plan in the pipeline

President Uhuru Kenyatta launches a new logo for Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry during its re-launch on July 25, 2014 at Kenyatta International Conference Center. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE

By  LILIAN OCHIENG'

What you need to know:

  • Giving the keynote speech, President Uhuru Kenyatta said the chamber’s restructuring is timely as it would shape its leadership into catalysing the country’s trade and commerce.
  • The chamber was established in 1965 to articulate and lobby for interests of the business community in every sector of the economy but lost course in the 1990s due to leadership wrangles.

The government is working on an export strategy as Kenya seeks to increase trade volumes with other countries.

Speaking Friday during rebranding of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said the strategy will play a big role in increasing the country’s foreign earnings.

“We are working to open external markets to trade,” Ms Mohamed said.

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Noting that this is one area where the chamber should play a critical roles, the cabinet secretary added that private sector contribution will be needed in helping the government implement export facilities and policies.

Giving the keynote speech, President Uhuru Kenyatta said the chamber’s restructuring is timely as it would shape its leadership into catalysing the country’s trade and commerce.

“I believe you will develop into a strong partner to the government in strengthening business for export promotions,” President Kenyatta said;
“You should now help scale up job creation through government youth funding programmes.”

The chamber was established in 1965 to articulate and lobby for interests of the business community in every sector of the economy but lost course in the 1990s due to leadership wrangles.

Its reconstruction has, however, seen it play a leading role in business creating lasting bilateral ties with Nigeria, China, Turkey and Morocco among others.

The chamber has branches in 43 counties with over 25, 000 members countrywide.

Chamber chairperson Kiprono Kittony said the revamped chamber is a natural partner of the government in its economic agenda and will see to it that Kenya’s economy thrives.

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