KEPSA and the Finnish Embassy in Kenya have committed to a continued partnership which will be cemented through the renewal of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) geared towards promoting trade and investments and identifying areas of collaboration in different projects.

During a luncheon hosted by the Finland Ambassador in Kenya H.E Pirkka Tapiola at his residence on 18^th October 2022, the KEPSA CEO Ms Carole Kariuki and the Ambassador reiterated their commitment to a continued collaboration that will be sealed by the signing of a new MoU to be finalized soon.

The luncheon was also attended by Mr Harrison Ngatia - KEPSA Head of Projects and SME Development; Mr Otto Kivinen - Deputy Head of Mission at Embassy of Finland Nairobi; Mr Esa Rantanen – Commercial Counsellor Eastern African Office at Business Finland; Ms Johanna Raehalme – Head of Nairobi Office at Finnfund and representatives of Finland companies operating in Kenya.

Ms Kariuki highlighted KEPSA's current focus on competitiveness through a reduction in the cost of production and enhancing inclusivity which creates opportunities for all Kenyans to thrive through deliberate efforts of increasing access to supply chain opportunities for small businesses from large enterprises. She further indicated that KEPSA is currently working on the National Business Agenda (NBA) to guide private sector priority areas for the next five years.

The Ambassador expressed his satisfaction with the longstanding partnership that the Embassy has been having with KEPSA over the years. In addition, he noted there is a need to enlarge, scale and multiply the trade and investment between Kenya and Finland in a mutual relationship.

During 2020, Kenya's exports to Finland were valued at $19M while Kenya's imports from Finland were valued at $55.5M. Kenya’s exports to Finland mainly consist of cut flowers, coffee and other processed fruits and nuts.