Introduction

In today’s interconnected economy, counties must align with national and global trade agendas. From the EAC and AfCFTA to bilateral deals with the UK and EU, Kenya is positioned to benefit from deeper integration. This programme equips participants to navigate policy reforms, engage effectively with stakeholders, and implement strategies that unlock county-level trade and investment potential.

Programme Objectives

• Map out the trade and investment governance under devolution
• Explore policy-making processes and identify reforms for county-level facilitation
• Understand Kenya’s role in regional and global trade integration
• Discover county-specific opportunities in value chains
• Analyse challenges and case studies from other jurisdictions
• Examine implementation of the Intergovernmental Relations Act, 2012
• Define the role of county investment units in line with the Kenya Investment Strategy

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, participants will:

• Grasp the structure and trends in Kenya’s post-2010 trade and investment landscape
• Understand the impacts of regional and global trade pacts on county economies
• Strengthen their role in trade and investment coordination within devolved units
• Be better equipped to contribute to national negotiations and policies
• Identify actionable reforms and strategies to support MSMEs and enhance county competitiveness

Key Focus Areas

• Trade and investment mandates under devolution
• Regional integration: EAC, COMESA, AfCFTA
• National blueprints: Vision 2030, BETA, AU Agenda 2063
• Key policies: National Trade Policy (2017), Export Development Strategy (2018)
• Legal frameworks: Constitution of Kenya, trade laws under devolution
• Strategic planning: Value chains, competitiveness, and integration into CIDPs

Target Participants

This programme is ideal for:

• County Executive Committee Members and Chief Officers
• Members of Parliamentary Oversight Committees (National Assembly and Senate)
• Officers from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies handling trade/investment
• Representatives from Business Membership Organisations (BMOs)
• Economic Counselors and Trade Attachés (local and foreign missions)
• Development partners, NGOs, and civil society actors in counties

Key Benefits

• Unique focus on county-level trade and investment coordination
• Practical, case-based learning tailored to Kenya’s devolved system
• Access to expert faculty and trade professionals across Africa and globally
• Peer learning and networking opportunities with cross-sector stakeholders
• Certification from a leading African business school

Programme Delivery

This course is delivered by seasoned trainers who have vast experience as trade policy expert and practitioners in their respective fields of practice.

The course is taught through a mix of lectures, simulations, practical activities, theory, group work and case studies.

The mode of delivery is face-to-face at the SBS campus, Nairobi.

Faculty

To address the need for practical hands-on learning the course will be taught by a mix of industry practitioners and highly qualified faculty.

Our faculty members bring a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to the programme, ensuring that participants receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education.