NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 28 – Kenya is seeking to deepen its commercial ties with China by attracting investment, technology partnerships and manufacturing deals as the country pushes to increase local production and value addition.
The ninth Kenya International Industrial Expo and Kenya Investment and Trade Fair, set for September 3 to 5 at Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, will bring together manufacturers, investors, suppliers and businesses from Kenya, China and other markets.
A key feature will be the first organized participation of a business delegation from Guangdong, one of China’s largest manufacturing and export centers.
The delegation is expected to create direct links between Kenyan companies and Chinese manufacturers in machinery, industrial equipment, construction materials, energy, electronics and other technologies.
For Kenyan manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the direct engagement could provide alternatives to traditional supply chains dominated by intermediaries while opening opportunities for equipment sourcing, distribution agreements, joint ventures and technology cooperation.
The expo comes as Kenya seeks to attract more foreign direct investment into manufacturing while reducing its reliance on imports and increasing the share of locally produced goods.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) president Erick Rutto said the event should be viewed as a business platform rather than simply a product exhibition.
“The Kenya International Industrial Expo is more than a showcase of products and technology; it is a platform for business growth, innovation and industrial transformation,” Rutto said.
He said the expo would enable manufacturers, investors, buyers and suppliers to establish partnerships, access markets and identify trade and investment opportunities.
Industrial technologies including laser engraving, laser cutting and other processing equipment will feature prominently, targeting sectors such as furniture, metal fabrication, construction, packaging and advertising.
The equipment could help smaller manufacturers increase production capacity, improve product quality and reduce costs, although the wider economic benefit will depend on whether technology partnerships result in skills transfer and increased local production.
Afripeak Expo Kenya managing director Gao Wei said the event had evolved from a conventional trade fair into a platform for industrial cooperation and investment.
“We want international companies to understand the Kenyan market, establish relationships with local businesses and consider longer-term investments,” Gao said.
Business-to-business meetings and investment forums will seek to connect foreign companies with Kenyan manufacturers, distributors and investors.
