The spirit of collaboration and partnership, KNCCI hosted the Governor of the County Government of Bungoma to discuss areas of collaboration and partnership. The event hosted by the KNCCI Bungoma Chapter under the leadership of Mr. John Wafula took place at Hunters Paradise Hotel, Bungoma, and was graced by Dr. Eric Rutto, the Chamber President, and H.E Ken Lusaka, the Governor of Bungoma County.

The two leaders were joined by Chamber leaders across the region led by Mr John Shimaka, the National Director, Dr Billy, the Chair Vihiga Chapter, and Vice Chairmen from Kakamega and Busia. The discussion centred around the massive potential that exists in the county from the avocado value chain, tomatoes, chilli, and coffee (Bungoma produces the best coffee globally) among other value chains

The governor, in his speech, appreciated the collaboration and strong partnership between his government and the Chamber that has spurred economic growth and development. He pledged to continue working closely with the Chamber to develop various value chains to support the economic well-being of his people. He challenged the businesses to start looking at the export market and commercialization of crop production for international markets. He emphasized the need to work closely with the Chamber to develop the coffee market that has the potential to diversify agricultural practices, in a region that has huge untapped potential.

In his remarks, Dr. Rutto appreciated the continued and unwavering support that he continues to receive from the region and from the governor who has the interest of the private sector at heart. He outlined the existing opportunities that have been created by the Chamber through its international network. He affirmed the Chamber’s commitment to continue creating more opportunities for businesses. Dr. Rutto talked about the huge market in China, Bahrain, and Africa through the AfCFTA.

The KNCCI China office, for example, he noted, has facilitated over Kshs 300M worth of exports since its establishment in October 2023 and currently, there exists a market in China that can buy all the avocado produced in Kenya. In Africa, there is a demand from one of the Chamber members who has been supported by AfCFTA to export a container of fruits and assorted drinks to the African market. In his closing remarks, Dr. Rutto committed to supporting the upcoming Bungoma Trade Fair slated for 9th to 11th Oct 2024 through the Jiinue Growth Program and our partners.