Government keen on enabling enterprises to thrives, Ruto says

Kenya is streamlining business processes to foster a more efficient and investor-friendly environment for enterprises to thrive, President William Ruto has said.

The President said the government is addressing the concerns of entrepreneurs through the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enhance the ease of doing business in the country.

Speaking during the opening of the World Chambers Federation (WCF) Africa Summit 2025 at a Nairobi hotel, Ruto pointed out that a conducive environment for investment remains the government’s commitment.

“We are committed, as a government and in partnership with the chamber of commerce, to build an environment where every small business can grow, thrive, and flourish,” he said.

The WCF Africa Summit 2025, which runs until Friday, brings together 70 delegates, 300 entrepreneurs, 545 SMEs and leaders shaping Africa’s future in trade, innovation, and sustainability.

The forum will focus on exploring collaborative opportunities related to key issues affecting the global economy.

Hosted by the World Chambers Federation and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), the summit is themed:  “Africa’s global future: Integrated, Innovative and Sustainable.”

The summit will serve as a platform for fostering regional Integration, advancing sustainable business, and unlocking investment opportunities across the continent.

Among the other key agenda are boosting trade and advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA ) and fostering global partnerships.

The goal of the summit is to promote inclusive and sustainable growth through partnerships, sharing best practices, and showcasing how the African continent is ready for the international market.

The Summit is projected to generate significant value in areas such as Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), attracting over Sh1 billion in investment commitments through trade and business partnerships.

President Ruto stated that the forum will intensify global disruption and uncertainty post-pandemic recovery, shifting geopolitical dynamics, inflation, supply chain disruptions, and climate change are impacting many facets of daily life.

According to the head of state, Chambers of Commerce are indispensable because they bring a proactive and solutions-oriented perspective.

KNCCI and the World Chambers Federation serve as vital bridges between the government and enterprise, helping businesses navigate risk, unlock opportunities, and expand into global markets. Their advocacy and support are empowering local entrepreneurs to think globally and act boldly,” he stated.

“Whether we look at Kenya or any other African country, the signs are clear: Africa’s future is bright. Through collaboration, investment, good governance, private sector innovation, and a reform-driven approach, we are ready for take-off. In this journey, chambers of commerce will play an increasingly critical role. Kenya, for its part, is committed to remaining open for business, regionally engaged, and globally ambitious,” he added.

According to KNCCI president Erick Rutto, who also doubles as the Chairman for the International Conference of Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the summit will redefine and assert the role of Africa as a global trade leader.

“Chambers of commerce have been business pillars for centuries. The summit will provide a big opportunity for Africa to implement AfCFTA as no other institution can be able to bridge between the policy and the practical implementation of intra-African Trade.

Rutto added that the summit will help see Intra-African trade boosted to 68 per cent, as seen in Europe and Asia, even as they aspire to scale FCTA to 52 per cent by 2030.

“Boost Intra-African Trade from 16 per cent to 68 per cent seen in Europe, North America, and Asia. We have aspirations for FCTA to reach 52 per cent by 2030, especially with the 20 present Africa Chamber of Commerce presidents present, the Africa Chamber of Commerce shall help realize that,” the KNCCI president stated.

“The summit will also be discussing how to dismantle non-tariff barriers that cost 14 billion US dollars annually in Africa even as we discuss on how to accelerate digital transformation in Africa. In Kenya, KNCCI is in the process of digitising 700 businesses in the great Lake region. We are also aiming at empowering women and SMEs and promote inclusive trade by including the youth and Women,” he added.