This year Kenya and Australia are officially celebrating 50 years of formal diplomatic relations, so it is timely that the Kenya Australia Chamber of Commerce (KACC) and the Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) are signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow both Chambers to work together to promote Australian and Kenyan interests. The MOU, signed at a working breakfast at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi on 30th September 2015, in front of business representatives and officials from the Australian High Commission in Kenya will help to drive trade between the two countries and market and collaborate on trade tours and other interests.

Chairman of the Kenya Australia Chamber of Commerce, Mr Stephen Kuria, said “We want to ensure that as Kenya and Australia celebrate 50 years this agreement between our Chambers will create our path to formalise and continue our relationship”. H.E. John Feakes, Australian High Commissioner to Kenya said “This is yet another step in strengthening Australian–Kenyan relations in this milestone year. We look forward to increased trade between both countries.”

Background:

The Kenya Australia Chamber of Commerce (KACC) was established in 2013 in Perth, Australia and was launched by the former Australian High Commissioner, Geoff Tooth. The KACC is an association with representatives around Australia. Working in conjunction with other chambers and the Kenya Australian Alumni Association, the Kenyan High Commission in Australia as well as the Australian High Commission in Kenya, the KACC provides a vast network in both countries encompassing private and government sectors. The KACC is also supported by Africa Cluster and IMIG (African Down Under Relations), AUSTRADE (Australian Trade Commission, http://www.austrade.gov.au/) and many Federations of Industry and Commerce in Kenya and Australia

The main aims of the Kenya Australia Chamber of Commerce (KACC) are:

• Connecting Businesses between Australia and Kenya

• Supporting Bilateral Trade and Relations

• Create a Doorway to Kenya, the Emerging Economic Giant

• Create a Bridge to Australia, the Platform to Asia-Pacific

KACC Objectives:

The KACC seeks:

1. To promote the two-way flow of trade and investment between Kenya and Australia, and to help business links with other countries. To provide information on trade and business activities to its members.

2. To interpret and present the point of view of Australian commercial interests to the Kenya business public and to lend all practical assistance to Australian interests seeking to enter the Kenya market, or wishing to develop their activities in the Kenya.

3. To endorse the standing of its members in the local business and international communities.

4. To develop a broad range of community-oriented programs directed toward students, labour unions, consumers and politicians; to encourage a better understanding of the role of business in a competitive market system, and to contribute in a positive way to the community at large.

5. To promote bilateral trade between Australia and Kenya.

6. To increase awareness of opportunities in the Australia-Kenya business relationship.

7. To provide a network for existing players and newcomers to Australia-Kenya markets to share information and experience and develop business contacts.

8. Generate awareness of the capabilities and experience of our members

The KACC has organised numerous events, including a Kenya parliamentary tour and dinner in Perth, Australia; Senator tours in Perth; the East Africa Oil & Gas Conferences in 2014 and 2015 in Perth. The Chamber has also organised fundraising events to help victims of the Westgate and Garrisa massacres.