Kenya’s KNCCI Hosts Indian SME Delegation to Boost Innovation and Bilateral Trade
In a significant move to deepen South-South cooperation and foster innovation-led economic growth, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) today welcomed a high-level delegation from India’s Association of Small and Medium Knowledge Industries (ASMKI). The Indian team, led by ASMKI President Shri Nalin Kohli, is on a strategic mission to explore partnerships with Kenyan SMEs and startups operating in high-impact knowledge sectors.
Representing some of India’s most dynamic small and medium enterprises, ASMKI brings expertise across electronics, software development, defense and security technologies, biotechnology, healthcare and clean energy solutions. The delegation’s visit aims to identify avenues for technology transfer, business collaboration and joint ventures, all while offering cost-effective, scalable alternatives to Western technologies and suppliers.
Welcoming the delegation, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto underscored the importance of leveraging such partnerships to accelerate Kenya’s innovation agenda.
“India has shown the world how SMEs in knowledge-driven sectors can fuel large-scale job creation, technological advancement, and inclusive growth. There is immense potential for Kenya to gain through technology and skills exchange, especially in sectors like software engineering, biotech and healthcare,” Dr. Rutto remarked.
He reiterated KNCCI’s commitment to providing platforms that connect local entrepreneurs with global networks, facilitating access to capital, mentorship and cross-border opportunities.
“The future of trade is knowledge-based. Our mission is to ensure Kenyan businesses are equipped, connected, and globally competitive.”
During the high-level discussions, both parties explored opportunities for joint innovation projects, market access initiatives and capacity-building programs tailored to the needs of Kenyan enterprises. A key highlight was ASMKI’s proposal to support local technology hubs and innovation centers by offering Indian tech solutions, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship by seasoned Indian SMEs.
Looking ahead, ASMKI also announced plans to organize a Technology Summit later this year, aimed at connecting Indian knowledge-based enterprises with potential partners across Africa. The summit is expected to serve as a launchpad for long-term cooperation in emerging industries such as healthtech, agritech, cleantech and digital infrastructure. KNCCI expressed its full support for the summit and pledged to mobilize key stakeholders from both public and private sectors to ensure meaningful outcomes.
This strategic engagement reflects Kenya’s growing interest in tapping into the innovation ecosystem of India and aligns with KNCCI’s broader goals of strengthening bilateral commercial ties, promoting technology-led entrepreneurship and unlocking new opportunities in sectors critical to Kenya’s economic transformation.
By creating new linkages between India’s proven SME models and Kenya’s vibrant entrepreneurial base, this partnership could be a game-changer catalyzing not just trade, but also skills development, knowledge sharing and inclusive growth across the continent.
