Nairobi is set to become a hub of industrial innovation from September 12th to 14th, as it hosts the 7th International Industrial Expo at the Sarit Expo Centre. The Kenya Investment and Trade Fair 2024 promises to be a significant event for the region, drawing industry leaders, government officials, and global stakeholders to explore the latest trends and technologies shaping Kenya’s industrial landscape.
The expo, organized by Afripeak Expo Kenya Ltd in collaboration with the Kenya Investment Authority and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), will feature 12 member companies showcasing a diverse array of products. These will include crafts, industrial goods, electronics, machinery, logistics, and financial services. The event aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote the adoption of advanced technologies, aligning with the government’s objective of enhancing industrialization to create employment opportunities.
Gao Wei, Managing Director of Afripeak Expo Kenya Ltd, emphasized the expo’s role as a crucial venue for connecting local businesses with international partners. “The expo has evolved into a pivotal platform for fostering partnerships and uncovering new opportunities across Kenya and East Africa. It facilitates knowledge exchange and encourages the adoption of advanced technologies. Looking ahead, it will be instrumental in advancing East Africa’s ambition to become a leading industrial hub on the continent,” Gao said.
The 2024 theme, “Driving Growth in Kenya’s Manufacturing Sector,” reflects the country’s focus on bolstering its manufacturing capabilities. With rapid infrastructure development, urbanization, and a growing middle class, the expo is expected to catalyze economic growth and industrialization. Eric Rutto, President of KNCCI, highlighted the importance of the event in showcasing Kenya’s industrial potential. “The expo provides a platform for Kenyan companies to present their products on an international stage, fostering growth and integration into the global value chain,” Rutto stated.
This year’s expo is particularly timely, as it precedes the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), set to begin on September 4th in China. FOCAC is a significant platform for diplomatic and economic dialogue between China and Africa, underscoring the importance of the upcoming expo in enhancing bilateral trade relations. China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 14 years, and the Hunan province branch has facilitated over Sh300 million in trade across various sectors in the past ten months.
Florence Benta Were, Managing Director of the Kenya Investment Authority, emphasized the government’s support for potential investors. “We will provide comprehensive guidance on regulatory requirements, licensing, and investment processes. Our collaboration with the chambers of commerce will ensure a coordinated effort to promote trade and investment during the expo,” Were said.
The Kenya International Industrial Expo 2024 will also highlight the dynamic transformation of the region’s industrial sector, providing a platform for local businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their products and connect with international markets. The event is expected to bolster local businesses and foster strategic partnerships that will drive Kenya’s manufacturing sector to new heights.
Stakeholders across the industrial sector are encouraged to participate in this landmark event to seize opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration. As Kenya continues to advance its industrial capabilities, the expo serves as a crucial step toward achieving its vision of becoming a leading industrial hub in East Africa.
