EAC
E-Trade
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The Host’s Grand Showcase: Kenya Day
The Kenya Day celebration was a momentous highlight of the 25th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair, leveraging its status as the host country to present a vast panorama of its industrial strength, technological innovation, and cultural depth. The day was marked by the presence of senior government officials, underscoring Kenya's leadership role in promoting regional trade and investment.
The atmosphere was vibrant, fuelled by energetic Maasai dances and Gospel choirs, representing the country's diverse ethnic and modern cultural identities. The traditional crafts on display were immense, with stalls featuring world-renowned Kikoy fabrics, intricate soapstone carvings from Kisii, and diverse beadwork that attracted heavy interest from regional buyers and international delegates.
Enterprise, Technology, and Market Access
In alignment with the Fair's theme, the Kenyan pavilion placed a strong emphasis on digital transformation and green enterprise. Exhibitors showcased a wide range of sophisticated products from the manufacturing and tech sectors, including innovative agri-tech solutions, small-scale machinery (Jua Kali) for processing, and rapidly developing FinTech platforms designed to simplify cross-border payments.
This focus directly addressed the need to deepen regional value chains, demonstrating how Kenyan MSMEs are transforming raw materials into high-value manufactured goods for the entire EAC market. Discussions throughout the day concentrated on leveraging digital tools to overcome Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and expanding e-commerce opportunities for young entrepreneurs. The national address emphasized opening up local financing channels to ensure MSMEs could capitalize on the market access gains delivered by the EAC Common Market.
in MSMEs