January 22, 2026
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has officially opened a new office in Dubai to protect Kenyan exporters from rampant fraud and unpaid deals in the UAE market. This strategic move addresses billions in annual losses, particularly in fresh produce, where rogue importers exploit open credit terms and vanish without payment. KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized that the office is fully operational, not ceremonial, to bolster trade security in Kenya’s fifth-largest export destination.
Kenyan exporters lose billions yearly, with a significant percentage of shipments to the UAE and Saudi Arabia going unpaid. Fresh produce faces similar woes, with 156 containers lost annually due to fabricated quality complaints or non-verifiable buyers lacking proper premises. Overall, fraud, poor documentation, and quality issues drain KSh 7 billion from UAE-bound exports, threatening farmers, SMEs, and Kenya’s export growth ambitions.
Exporters suffer from inadequate buyer due diligence, information gaps on UAE regulations, and no access to export credit insurance or payment guarantees. Many trade on risky open terms, while unscrupulous Gulf buyers issue unfulfilled credit notes or disappear post-delivery. With 85% of Dubai traders being foreigners, Kenyans shipping produce often falls victim to a lack of on-ground verification.
The hub offers frontline support, including escrow payments, physical buyer credential checks, and a shared blacklist of rogue importers. It provides real-time intelligence on prices, regulations, and opportunities, plus rapid dispute resolution via ties with UAE authorities, Kenya’s Abu Dhabi Embassy, and Dubai Chamber. Additional tools encompass legal aid, secure payment options, and traceability software to prevent scams.
UAE ties date to 1982, with 2023 exports hitting USD 401.5 million, underscoring Dubai’s role as a vital hub. Chaired by Salat Ali, the office builds on KNCCI’s global network to mitigate risks mirroring scams hitting firms in the UAE. Dr. Rutto hailed it as a commitment to exporter safety in this key market.
This initiative promises reduced losses, empowered SMEs, and stronger UAE-Kenya commerce amid 2026’s trade focus. Exporters are urged to leverage the office for verified deals, signaling a proactive era for Kenya’s Gulf ambitions.