During the KNCCI’s iSOKO Digital Trade Dialogue, KNCCI CEO Patrick Nyangweso expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, commending the leadership for fostering a transformative ecosystem that benefits women entrepreneurs with essential resources, knowledge, and networks. KNCCI Regional Director Cynthia Nyawira emphasized the importance of continuous learning and leveraging digital platforms like iSOKO to advance businesses and boost the economy.

The iSOKO platform, which currently has 3,000 users, will soon be available in the USA following a Memorandum of Understanding with 5,000 stores in the USA. KNCCI is active in all 47 counties of Kenya, providing trade information and capacity building. As a member of the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce, KNCCI aims to increase intra-African trade from 16% to the global average of 65%.

At the event, Dr. Rutto demonstrated the platform’s functionality by purchasing a product, while Ms. Katharina Mengede from GIZ Kenya’s Digital Transformation Center highlighted iSOKO’s role in supporting women-led businesses. Belarusian Ambassador Pavel Vziatkin praised KNCCI for organizing a forum on the Belarusian Commodity Exchange, offering free participation for traders with minimal fees.

Mary Kerema, Secretary of ICT and Digital Economy, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity to protect businesses. The CS for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development discussed the Start-up Bill aimed at supporting innovative ideas and noted the importance of MSMEs and the Digital Superhighway for Kenya’s economic development, applauding iSOKO’s inclusivity.

Ahmed Farah, TradeMark Africa’s Country Director, reiterated TMA’s commitment to economic prosperity and trade facilitation, acknowledging the support of Global Affairs Canada in the success of iSOKO. The event also saw the presence of directors Vishal, Hussein Mohammed, Shadrack, Alfred, and Irene.