Nairobi: Global technology leader Zoho has partnered with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to accelerate the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya by offering enhanced access to affordable business technology, digital skills, and AI-powered solutions.
According to Kenya News Agency, this partnership was unveiled during ZOHOLICS Kenya 2026 and aims to bolster Kenya’s SME ecosystem by facilitating the adoption of digital tools that boost productivity, enhance operational efficiency, and drive sustainable growth. Zoho’s Country Head for Kenya, Veerakumar Natarajan, emphasized that Kenya is one of the company’s fastest-growing markets, as businesses increasingly embrace digital transformation to remain efficient and competitive.
Natarajan highlighted Zoho’s evolution from a single-product company to a global technology provider with over 100 cloud-based applications that assist organizations in managing customer relationships, finance, human resources, collaboration, marketing, and other business operations from a unified platform. The company currently serves over 150 million users across more than a million organizations worldwide and employs approximately 19,000 people through its East African regional office based in Nairobi.
Zoho’s strategic focus on long-term innovation and customer value is supported by its private ownership, which has remained intact since its inception nearly three decades ago. Natarajan noted that Zoho owns its entire technology ecosystem, including data centers and software platforms, ensuring high standards of security and data privacy. He emphasized that Zoho is committed to selling software rather than customer data, adhering to internationally recognized data protection and information security standards.
AI integration across Zoho’s products supports businesses with capabilities such as document processing, language translation, sentiment analysis, sales forecasting, and customer engagement. This integration helps organizations improve efficiency while safeguarding customer information. Zoho reported a 55 percent revenue growth in Kenya over the past year, driven by the rising demand for digital business solutions across various sectors.
The partnership with KNCCI includes provisions for eligible members to receive Sh65,000 worth of Zoho Wallet Credits, granting access to over 60 cloud-based business applications without immediate financial commitments. This initiative allows SMEs to evaluate digital solutions before deciding on permanent adoption, effectively lowering barriers to technology adoption.
Dr. James Mwaura, Nairobi Chairman of KNCCI, welcomed the collaboration, noting its potential to address the longstanding technology gap facing many SMEs, particularly those in the informal sector. Mwaura pointed out that while the Chamber has traditionally offered support through advocacy and networking, affordable digital solutions have remained elusive for many entrepreneurs.
The partnership aims to empower businesses across the value chain, from informal enterprises to established corporations, with affordable technology, digital training, and AI-powered solutions to improve productivity and competitiveness. Mwaura expressed confidence that the collaboration would equip young entrepreneurs with practical digital skills and encourage wider adoption of AI-powered business tools, ultimately strengthening the Chamber’s efforts to support Kenya’s digital economy.
