MSMEs principal secretary Susan Mang'eni said the government is moving regional trade beyond the exchange of raw materials towards locally processed goods Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Director General Henry Rithaa said the authority was supporting participating businesses with logistics and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) compliance to facilitate the fulfilment of orders.
/HANDOUT Nine Kenyan micro and small enterprises have secured new market opportunities in Rwanda, including supply deals with supermarkets and retailers, as businesses seek to expand their footprint across the East African Community. The enterprises are among 600 Kenyan businesses exhibiting at the 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair in Kigali, where some have sold out their stocks, received bulk orders and entered negotiations with local distributors.
Mukurweini Edible Oils, based in Nyeri, sold its entire stock at the exhibition and received requests to supply major Rwandan supermarkets. Mamloo Foods from Busia is negotiating supply agreements with five supermarket chains, while Yatta Juice Cooperative Society from Machakos has sold out its initial stock and attracted inquiries from customers and distributors.
Other Kenyan businesses securing commercial opportunities include NYOTA Kuku Ranch from Baringo, which is close to selling out its products amid strong demand, and Torochan Cereals from Kericho, which has received supply orders. Techwin Machines, a Nairobi-based manufacturer, secured direct orders for machinery, while Ankole Leather from Meru was invited to supply Rwandan retail outlets.
The deals highlight the opportunities available to Kenyan small businesses in regional markets, but also the challenge of sustaining supply and meeting quality and regulatory requirements when expanding beyond the domestic market. Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Director General Henry Rithaa said the authority was supporting participating businesses with logistics and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) compliance to facilitate the fulfilment of orders.
“"These are not exhibitors waiting to be noticed. These are enterprises closing deals," said Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) director general Henry Rithaa The developments were highlighted during Kenya Day celebrations at the Gikondo Expo Ground. The trade fair has attracted more than 1,200 enterprises from the eight EAC partner states under the theme, Advancing Regional Value Chains in Leather and Horticulture.