The Chamber President Dr.Erick Rutto this morning took part in a press conference organized in collaboration with Afripeak Expo Kenya Ltd and Kenya Investment Authority ( KenInvest) to sensitize the general public on the Kenya International Industrial Expo(KIIE) that is scheduled to take place from the 21st to 23rd September,2023 at the Sarit Expo Centre.

The Chamber President in his remarks noted that the expo will serves as a showcase for the latest innovations, technologies, and trends in the industrial sector. Kenyan firms will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge products, services, and solutions that can enhance their operations, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in the market. This exposure to new technologies can lead to transformative changes within their businesses,”

This year’s expo is unique to KNCCI as we have at least 12 members drawn from across the country in key economic sectors on board who will showcase their products at no cost at the Kenyan pavilion at the exhibition. The companies from KNCCI HQ include; Apiculture venture –Honey, Githunguri Dairy, East Africa Cables,  DTB Bank –financial services, Kajiado chapter women- beaded jewelry & artifacts, Nairobi Chapter-Nutri Nuts and Fruits Limited)

Dr Rutto added “Kenya’s total exports to China grew by 7% from 2021 to 2022. In 2022 Total exports to China stood at $ 240 million whereas imports stood at $ 3.8 billion. However, there was an increase in exports due  to demand of Kenyan Products (Ores and concentrates of base metals, Petroleum oils and oils, Vegetable textile fibers, Leather, manufactures of base metal, crude vegetable materials, tea and mate) also most of the exporters have been able to meet the standards with now Kenyans exporting Avocado. “Total exports to China stand at 240 million whereas imports stand at 3.8 billion.

Looking ahead, Dr. Rutto anticipates continued growth in trade between the two countries and announced KNCCI’s plan to establish a satellite office in Hunan, China, aimed at facilitating trade and investment, bridging the gap between Kenya and China.

The 6th Kenya Industrial Expo is an opportunity to continue marketing Kenya as an ideal investment destination for Chinese firms. This expo seeks to connect local enterprises to the best technological growth from China. In a bid to support the government’s initiative and promote more exports from Kenya, we are introducing another name to the Expo called Kenya Import & Export Fair This is a new model aimed at promoting the Kenya-China import and export sector, aiming to connect buyers and suppliers from the two countries in areas like consumer goods, agricultural sector and mining sector,”said Mr Gao Wei, Managing Director, of Afripeak Expo Kenya Limited.

According to Ms. June Chepkemei Ag. Managing Director ,KenInvest, Over the last decade, the Kenyan Investment Authority (KenInvest) has registered and facilitated 313 Chinese investment projects with a total value of USD 1.55 billion. This shows that China has helped create employment for the locals and this expo stamps the bilateral trade ties that these two great countries share.

“One of the highlights of this year’s Expo is the participation of four delegations from China, representing Shandong, Jiangxi, Henan, and Zhejiang provinces. Their presence will underscore the growing trade ties between Kenya and China, and we anticipate fruitful discussions and partnerships emerging from their participation.”

We would wish to invite all KNCCI members and the business community to attend the three-day expo and build strategic relationships, learn more about your industry, trade, generate leads for your business.