Networking Reception, Nairobi

Faizal is a UK qualified lawyer and for many years has worked and advised, and is a trusted advisor to institutions, corporates and families across the Middle East, Africa and India. Faizal specialises in banking and finance and has advised corporates, family offices and families including on their international investment and holding structures.

Farida Abbas is a dynamic and visionary executive leader with over 20 years of experience driving transformative growth at the intersection of trade, investment, and commercial strategy. As the Chief Executive Officer of the British Chamber of Commerce Kenya, she has been instrumental in building the Chamber into the largest international business network in East and Central Africa—growing corporate memberships tenfold and significantly increasing revenue and surplus. Known for her executive presence, entrepreneurial mindset, and sharp commercial acumen, Farida has consistently led high-impact initiatives that promote UK-Kenya bilateral trade, elevate ethical business practices, and empower SMEs for market expansion. She has brokered over £10M in new business for UK companies, led integrity-driven sector reforms through FCDO-funded programs, and built multi-stakeholder partnerships with government, private sector, and civil society.

Seema has led the East African mission for British International Investment (BII) from a strategic and operational perspective since November 2019. She is responsible for BII’s existing portfolio, origination efforts across infrastructure, financial services and corporates as well as all stakeholder relationships. Seema is an NED on the Board of Africa Logistics Properties and The Africa Power Platform. Prior to BII, Seema was the Chief Representative Officer for East & West Africa at Mauritius Commercial Bank responsible for governance and client coverage. During her earlier career, Seema spent 18 years with Standard Chartered Bank in a variety of roles across Singapore, London and Nairobi through various disciplines. She was the founding member of an $18bn leveraged credit fund, Head of Directorate within the Group CEO’s Office and Executive Director for Strategic Promoter Initiatives within East Africa.

About BCCK

The British Chamber of Commerce Kenya (BCCK) is a leading business organisation dedicated to strengthening trade and investment between Kenya and the United Kingdom. We provide our members with privileged access to a high-profile business network, fostering meaningful connections and commercial opportunities across sectors. With a growing membership of over 300 organisations, from FTSE 100 companies to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, BCCK is the premier gateway for doing business in Kenya. Currently, over 150 UK companies operate in the country, benefiting from a dynamic bilateral trade relationship valued at approximately £1.8 billion (KES 314 billion).The Chamber offers a wide range of services, including networking opportunities, business development support, market intelligence, industry research, and advocacy. It also hosts impactful events, conferences and seminars on key business topics. Through these initiatives, BCCK enhances UK-Kenya economic ties, promotes sustainable growth and
creates a thriving business environment for British companies in Kenya.

Our Purpose

Creating connections between the UK and Kenya for growth and prosperity, which reflects our desire to foster mutually beneficial connections between Kenyan and UK businesses to drive sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity.

Our Mission

To boost Kenya-UK trade and investment with data-driven economic and industry expertise, for business advisory and advocacy in partnership with governments and businesses’.

Our Vision

To be the leading international chamber of commerce in Kenya