This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
On July 14, 2019, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the French Chamber of Commerce in Kenya signed a historic memorandum of understanding to boost trade between the two countries.
KNCCI President Richard Ngatia described the MoU as a significant milestone, enabling local businesses to easily access the French market. He noted that local entrepreneurs were eager to adopt the EU's business processes and partner with their French counterparts to learn how to grow startups into medium-sized and large enterprises.
French Chamber of Commerce, Kenya Chairman Jean Pascal Naud emphasized that the MoU would facilitate Kenyan industrialists in discovering the business potential in France. He highlighted agriculture as one of the areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Ngatia expressed optimism about the partnership's potential in the tourism, manufacturing, and agribusiness sectors, which are already developed in France. He also saw opportunities for exchange programs between the two chambers, enhancing the training of business people on sustainable business practices.
Business leaders, including Sally Kosgei, a former Cabinet Minister, encouraged the Kenyan business community to consider dealing directly with export markets, rather than relying on middlemen. The partnership has already attracted interest from entrepreneurs, with over 120 French companies established in Kenya since 2012 and 800 others directly exporting to Kenya.
Entrepreneurs like Carol Chebet, who operates a dairy company in Kiambu County, and Sandra Wafula, a trader, expressed excitement about the opportunities presented by the partnership.
