Corruption and an unfavorable regulatory environment are key integrity issues undermining trust by international investors in Kenya’s business ecosystem.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) participated in a stakeholder breakfast meeting at the Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel, that served as a networking platform and marked the inauguration of the Startup Integrity Initiative. Founded by Simon Mungai, a partner at K.K. and Associates Law, a mid-sized law firm, the initiative is a flagship program funded by the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi to commemorate 60 years of Kenya-U.S. diplomatic relations. Its goal is to promote ethical business practices and instill a culture of transparency and accountability among Kenya’s startups and entrepreneurial community.

The Chief Guest, Joshua Startup, Commercial Attaché of the U.S. Department of Foreign Commercial Services, underscored the United States’ commitment to strengthening its relationship with Kenya through trade, integrity, and the growth of startups.

In her remarks, KNCCI National Director for Youth in Business, Irene Kirimi, emphasized the importance of ethics. She highlighted the need to balance profit-making with ethical standards and encouraged young entrepreneurs to adopt a positive mindset.

The event also featured other notable guests, including Crystal Waitekus (Deputy Cultural Attaché, U.S. Embassy), Kiriba Kariuki (Managing Partner, K.K. and Associates Law), and Feisal Abdi (President, Ethics Ambassadors Network).

KNCCI is committed to promoting startups and empowering the youth in business.