Amid concerns that Kenya is losing over Sh6.7 billion annually to unpaid shipments and missing cargo to the UAE, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has launched a Dubai office to safeguard exporters and strengthen market links in the Gulf region.
Speaking on Thursday during the launch, KNCCI President Eric Rutto said the initiative aims to reduce trade risks, provide structured support to Kenyan businesses, and enhance oversight over transactions with Gulf buyers.
Rutto highlighted that Kenyan traders have been losing billions in trade deals, necessitating the establishment of the Dubai office.
“Per week, from the reports that we receive, we lose about three containers of fresh produce. That is a total of around 150 containers in a year, and if you were to look at an average of five million shillings, you can calculate the value. In terms of meat exports, approximately 20 to 25 per cent are not paid; that is approximately six billion. So, we are in the range of about seven billion in terms of what we are losing,” he said.
The Chamber noted that while Kenya–UAE trade relations have created more opportunities, they have also increased risks for exporters, with the trade imbalance continuing to widen despite several bilateral agreements.
KNCCI has raised concerns over the number of Kenyan traders losing money through unpaid products and lost shipments, estimating annual losses at Sh6.78 billion.
Cynthia Nyawira, KNCCI’s chair of Economic Diplomacy, said rogue traders have exploited Kenyan exporters due to weak oversight.
“That changes today,” she said.
The Dubai office is expected to strengthen market linkages, promote Kenyan business interests and provide protection to exporters through a structured system.
KNCCI said exporters will need to be members to access safeguards, including buyer verification and approval, full business profiling of buyers, advance payment solutions of up to 80 per cent for supplies to established firms, end-to-end traceability and tracking, and compliance support via vetted service providers.
Rutto added that the Chamber aims to boost trade growth directly attributed to its Dubai office.
“We want to increase year-on-year by 10 per cent, directly attributed to the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce. So that 753 million, approximately 80 billion, is to increase year-in-year 10 per cent through our office in Dubai, which will serve the whole of the GCC countries,” he said.
The Chamber urged Kenyan traders to take advantage of the Dubai office to avoid being cheated in trade deals and to strengthen their business presence in the Gulf region.