NCBA has flagged off 110 Commercial and SME Banking customers for a 12-day business trip to China. This trip will run from 12th – 23rd October 2025. The programme is designed to give participating enterprises practical exposure to trading ecosystems across major Chinese commercial hubs. It includes factory and wholesale-market visits and engagements with business associations and chambers of commerce.
Participants cut across sectors such as FMCG; electronics and electricals; telecoms and technology; motor vehicle and spares; construction and real estate; manufacturing and value addition; furniture and interior décor; beauty and cosmetics; textiles and clothing; green energy; medical, chemicals and pharmaceuticals; film and photography; services; and agriculture and food security.
Kenya–China trade remains weighted toward imports for Kenya. In the first half of 2025, Kenya’s imports from China stood at Sh304.65 billion. In 2023, China’s exports to Kenya were about $4.66 billion, against Kenyan exports to China of roughly $221 million. The continued import reliance underscores China’s role as a key sourcing market for Kenyan businesses.
Dennis Njau, NCBA Group Director, Retail Banking, said the trip aims to connect customers with “global supply chains that can strengthen their businesses and, in turn, support growth at home.” He added that China remains a pivotal market for Kenyan enterprises across sourcing, investment, and cultural exchange.
Planned activities include:
- Engagements with Chinese business associations and chambers of commerce.
- Customer-centric company and factory visits.
- Exposure to Guangzhou wholesale markets.
- Visits to Foshan ceramics and furniture markets.
- Cultural experiences, sightseeing, leisure shopping and entertainment.
Attendance at the Canton Fair
Attendance at the Canton Fair will give SMEs and commercial enterprises direct access to manufacturers and global suppliers, with opportunities to evaluate product lines, track industry trends and negotiate supply terms.
The China trip complements NCBA’s ongoing SME support efforts, which include capacity-building trainings, networking forums and financing programmes intended to unlock growth opportunities.
