KIIE expo seeks to boost manufacturing sector
By: Rading Biko
Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Kenya is set host an international industrial expo that will see at least 117 companies showcase their wares.The three-day event slated for November 17 to 19 at Sarit Centre in Nairobi is organised by Afripeak in conjunction with the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Kenya Investment Authority (Keninvest).
At least 92 foreign companies mostly from China will showcase latest manufacturing technology to local small and medium businesses keen to up productivity and enhance efficiency under the theme ‘building a strong manufacturing sector amidst Covid-19’.
Speaking during a press conference held today, Afripeak managing director Gao Wei said the fourth edition of Kenya International Industrial Expo (KIIE) is aligned with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four Agenda on manufacturing.
‘’Manufacturing pillar is critical to creating jobs for the youth in Kenya. In response to this initiative, such expo seeks to link local industries to their Chinese counterparts, and hence advance technological transfer vital to boosting local production capability, ’Gao said.
The show area covers a total of 2930 metre square, including indoor and outdoor zooms.This year, organisers have added the Kenyan pavilion, providing 20 local companies with an opportunity to showcase their products and link up with potential overseas buyers.
According to Dr Erick Rutto, first vice Chamber President of KNNCI, the expo is key in helping the country achieve the industrialisation dream under vision 2030.
‘’The expo provides a platform for technology transfer, boosting inter-trade and enhancing the opening of the gateway between Kenya and China,’’ Rutto said.
He added that last year, Covid-19 pandemic was a major hindrance to the exhibition with physical meetings being minimal.
The 2021 expo is expected to focus on industrialization, the exhibition field including General Machinery, Construction Machinery, hardware & Tools, Solar & New Energy products, Auto Parts, Chemical Products and Medical Equipment, etc.
Over the past three years, the exhibition has received more than 4,800 professionals and merchants from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and other countries, with a turnover of around $ 20 million.
“Foreign exhibitors will have their local representatives being present at their respective exhibition stands at Sarit Expo Centre. These arrangements enabled the visitors to see the exhibits physically and interact with foreign companies' representatives as well as connect via virtual links for business deals negotiations,” said Gao Wei, Managing Director, Afripeak Expo Kenya Limited – the event organizer.
Over the years Gao said such exhibitions have provided both large and small businesses who use the platform to showcase their brands.
A recent National Economic Survey report by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) indicates that SMEs constitute 98 percent of all business in Kenya, create 30 percent of the jobs annually as well as contribute 3 percent of the GDP.
“Currently the government of Kenya is on a mission of transforming its economy, especially the manufacturing sector. Under the “Big Four Agenda”, the manufacturing pillar is critical to creating jobs for the youth in Kenya. In response to this initiative, such an expo seeks to link the local industries to their Chinese counterparts, and hence advance technological transfer vital in boosting local production capability,” he said.
Evolving from the previous 3 editions successfully executed in 2018, 2019, 2020, This years’ 4th edition of the Kenya International Industrial Expo will be bigger and wider in scope.
The show area covers a total of 2930 m2, including indoor and outdoor zooms. There will be altogether 103 companies participating in the exhibition, amongst which 83 are foreign exhibitors mainly from China.
