The Nyanza Business Summit and Expo 2026, held in Kisumu, has emerged as a defining moment for Kenya’s western region, bringing together government leaders, business executives and members of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to chart a bold new path for economic transformation.
The summit focused on unlocking business growth, expanding market opportunities and positioning Nyanza as a regional trade hub for global competitiveness.
At the summit, Principal Secretary Regina Ombam called for the need to improve access to affordable capital through loans and re-engineer the cooperative movement to enable businesses to pool resources and grow.
She called for a shift from exporting raw commodities to promoting local value addition, particularly for crops such as groundnuts, sesame and sunflower and the need for exporters to understand and meet international market standards to reduce the risk of products being rejected in export markets.
KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to fostering investment and creating a conducive environment for businesses. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to streamline trade policies, enhance partnerships and support enterprises in accessing both domestic and international markets.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to open new export routes and position Nyanza as a logistics gateway connecting East Africa to markets in Central and West Africa.
Kisumu County Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili reminded participants of Kisumu’s historical significance as a commercial hub along Lake Victoria. He also called for the renewed focus on industrialization and expanded market opportunities, noting Nyanza’s strategic location and agricultural potential make it ripe for transformation into regional powerhouse.
The summit’s aim is to align the need to shift from raw commodity exports to value-added production, strengthen cooperatives and meet global standards, driving the growth not only for the region but for Kenya’s broader economy.
