The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa Chapter has unveiled its Strategic Plan 2026–2029.
The blueprint is designed to reposition the region’s business environment and strengthen the Coast’s role in regional and global trade.
The plan provides a structured roadmap to enhance private sector advocacy, improve services to members, support enterprise growth and boost the competitiveness of businesses across the region.
At its core, it seeks to build a more resilient, inclusive and market-ready business ecosystem, with a strong focus on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
KNCCI Mombasa Chapter chairman Abud Jamal said the strategy was developed through wide consultations with stakeholders to ensure it responds to both local and global business realities.
He said the plan goes beyond domestic challenges such as election-related disruptions and instead positions businesses to withstand wider global shocks, including shifting trade dynamics and international economic uncertainty.
“The strategic plan is a wholesome document. We are looking not only at issues around elections but also other international and global challenges that may affect businesses in and around Mombasa and how we can adapt to them,” Jamal said.
A central pillar of the strategy is MSME development, with targeted interventions aimed at improving access to markets, affordable financing, capacity building and competitiveness.
“A big part of the strategic plan is geared towards improving MSMEs, not only in Mombasa but across the coastal region and the country. We had SMEs at the back of our minds when developing this document,” he said.
The roadmap also prioritises industrial growth and value addition, business scaling, improved access to export markets and stronger advocacy for a more enabling business environment.
Market diversification is another key focus, with KNCCI planning closer collaboration with diplomatic missions to expand export destinations and reduce overreliance on traditional markets.
Jamal said successful implementation of the plan would significantly strengthen businesses across the Coast and enhance their ability to compete regionally and globally.
The launch also highlighted the importance of international partnerships in trade development.
Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) country manager Marco Tomicic reaffirmed continued collaboration with KNCCI Mombasa, noting plans to deepen support in strengthening global business linkages, including engagement with counterparts in the United States.
“We are here to support the engagement with the KNCCI Mombasa Chapter, something we have been doing for quite some time. This year, we are keen on exploring opportunities for further collaboration, especially to strengthen the chamber’s preparedness to partner with its counterparts in the US,” he said.
Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Ambassador Herbert Kiguli, also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a key step in strengthening Kenya–Uganda trade relations.
He noted that about 60 per cent of Uganda’s imports pass through the Port of Mombasa, underlining the port’s strategic importance to regional commerce.
“Trade and investment remain key areas of collaboration between Uganda and Kenya. 60 per cent of Uganda’s goods transit through Mombasa, while Kenya is also an important market for Ugandan products. Likewise, Uganda is one of the biggest markets for Kenyan goods,” Kiguli said.
He pledged continued collaboration between the Uganda Consulate and KNCCI to ensure the chamber’s strategic objectives are achieved.
“We are here for the long haul. We are a permanent mission in Mombasa and we are committed to supporting these developments because they are beneficial to both our countries,” he added.
He further highlighted growing tourism and trade ties between the two countries, pledging continued cooperation to support the successful implementation of the strategic plan.
“The statistics continue to grow every year. More Ugandans are visiting Kenya’s Coast, while Kenya remains the largest source of tourists to Uganda. The last figures showed more than 460,000 Kenyans travelled to Uganda, demonstrating how closely connected our two countries have become,” he said.
