The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has issued an alert over fraudulent schemes targeting local businesses through fake financial assistance programs.
In a statement released on Monday, September 22, KNCCI warned members of the public against clicking, filling, or sharing suspicious links circulating through Google Forms that claim to offer financial aid to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
"Please do NOT click, fill, or share the link circulating through Google Forms. It is a fraudulent/scam link designed to steal your personal information. Stay safe and always verify before sharing your details online," the chamber cautioned in its official social media channels.
The fraudulent scheme appears to mimic legitimate financial aid portals. Scammers create fake application forms that request sensitive business and personal information from unsuspecting entrepreneurs.
The fraudulent site displays official-looking branding and claims to be a development initiative launched by the European Union Development Fund in collaboration with established organizations.
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The scam portal specifically targets small and medium-sized enterprises by promising critical financial support and facilitating market access, while seeking to enable them to contribute to accelerated economic growth.
KNCCI has in recent weeks intensified its efforts towards supporting SMEs through legitimate partnerships and initiatives.
A week ago, the organization signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating its commitment to creating genuine opportunities for Kenyan businesses.
The partnership with SCAACC establishes strategic cooperation to expand trade, investment, and economic ties between Kenya and the United States.
The agreement was formalized by KNCCI Chair of the Diaspora Committee Simon Nyagah and SCAACC Chairman Stephen Gilchrist, with both organizations committing to support business development and strengthen ties between Kenyan enterprises and African American entrepreneurs.
The legitimate collaboration focuses on several key areas including facilitating participation in international exhibitions and trade fairs, sharing market intelligence and commercial information, promoting technological exchange and innovation partnerships, organizing trade missions and networking events, and establishing communication platforms to increase visibility of genuine business opportunities.
"This partnership opens new doors for our members to tap into the U.S. market, expand investment opportunities, and foster knowledge exchange. It is a bold step by both organizations in strengthening Kenya–U.S. business relations, particularly with the African American business community that shares deep historic and cultural ties with Africa," Simon Nyagah emphasized during the signing ceremony.
"We are committed to building strong bridges of trade and investment between South Carolina and Kenya. This collaboration will empower businesses on both sides to grow, innovate, and prosper in a globalized economy,” Stephen Gilchrist said on his part.
The authentic partnership is expected to provide Kenyan businesses with genuine market access opportunities, attract legitimate U.S. investment into key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, renewable energy, and tourism, while enhancing capacity building through exposure to proven business practices and technology.
