On 17^th February 2025, Ms. Carole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO hosted Dr. Monika Erath, Delegierte / Delegate of German Industry Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Eastern Africa (AHK) in a meeting that focused on strengthening collaboration between KEPSA and the Delegation of German industry Commerce. Key areas of discussion included enhancing B2B linkages, supporting SMEs and fostering youth empowerment through structured programs. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Davilyne Busuru, Trade and Policy Expert at AHK and Ms. Stacey Mwende, Marketing and Membership Officer at KEPSA.

One of the primary focus areas was youth development, particularly through labour mobility and skills development under the TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) program. The German Chamber expressed interest in exploring opportunities to facilitate apprenticeships, skills transfer, and workforce exchange programs between Kenya and Germany. This initiative aims at providing young professionals with access to technical expertise, international exposure, and job placement opportunities, ultimately strengthening their career prospects and contribution to economic growth.

The meeting highlighted the need to support SMEs by enhancing their access to expert knowledge, market opportunities, and financial literacy training. A key proposal was the adoption of Germany’s Senior Expert Service (SES) model, which will enable SMEs to gain valuable insights from seasoned industry experts. Through this model, SMEs could receive mentorship, business development guidance, and technical expertise, helping them scale their operations and integrate into regional and global value chains. The German Chamber also expressed interest in collaborating with KEPSA to connect Kenyan SMEs with German enterprises for knowledge exchange and joint ventures.

The German Chamber expressed a strong interest in organizing inbound and outbound trade exhibitions, creating platforms for businesses to network and explore investment opportunities. These B2B meetings were suggested to be sector-specific or categorized based on industry needs, ensuring meaningful engagement between businesses with shared interests. This approach will allow businesses to identify synergies, strengthen supply chains, and foster long-term trade relationships while addressing sector-specific challenges and opportunities.

KEPSA and the German Chamber agreed to explore concrete actions to actualize these initiatives. These included defining a clear framework for labour mobility programs, identifying priority sectors for SME engagement, and establishing a roadmap for upcoming trade exhibitions and business delegations. Additionally, both parties discussed the importance of generating whitepapers and research papers to guide decision-making, ensuring that the strategies are backed by data, insights, and best practices. Further engagements were planned to refine these action points and ensure effective implementation.

By integrating youth empowerment, SME support, and B2B collaboration across different sectors, KEPSA and the German Chamber aimed to create a more dynamic and resilient economic environment, driving sustainable growth and strengthening bilateral trade relations.