Representatives from over 300 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) hailing from all 47 counties of
Kenya are making their mark at the 23rd Edition of the East African Community (EAC) MSMEs Trade Fair,
previously known as the Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibition.
This vibrant event, hosted at the Cercle Hyppique grounds in Bujumbura, Burundi, is a convergence of innovation, showcasing the diversity of Kenyan products.
With the theme, Connecting East Africa MSMEs to Enhance Intra-EAC Trade, the trade fair has attracted more than 1,500 MSMEs spanning trade, manufacturing, agribusiness, and services sectors from all seven EAC partner states.
The opening ceremony, graced by the Vice President of Burundi, Prosper Bazombanza, on December 8, 2023,
underscored the significance of the trade fair as a catalyst for socioeconomic integration in East Africa.
The event not only serves as a platform for MSMEs to exhibit their products but also facilitates crucial business-
to-business engagements and information exchange on trade-related matters.
A noteworthy highlight was the launch of the EAC Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) App during the opening
ceremony. Developed by the EAC Secretariat and Trade Mark East Africa, the app aims to streamline the
reporting, monitoring, and elimination of NTBs in the EAC community.
Offering different access levels for traders and NTB focal points in each partner state, the app enhances transparency and efficiency in trade facilitation.
Kenya’s Country Day celebration showcased the nation’s unique products, innovations, and cultural diversity.
Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development, Simon Chelugui, emphasized the
trade fair’s role in not only promoting Kenya’s offerings in the regional market but also fostering trade and
business exchanges among participating countries.
He encouraged Kenyan MSMEs to explore the untapped opportunities in the Burundian market, emphasizing potential areas of investment such as agro-processing, education, infrastructure, finance, energy solutions, light manufacturing, telecommunications, and construction.
Sharon Cherotich of Shariez Handmade, Brian Bhukhala of NEOEng Limited, and Charity Wanjiru of Hoftor Macadamia Nuts received awards for the best three innovative products from Kenya at the 22nd EAC MSMEs Trade Fair along with Kenyan judges at the EAC Edward Munoru and Patricia Mwende.
Citing statistics indicating that EAC members are trading more with countries outside the bloc, Chelugui
called for increased integration in language, currency, transport, infrastructure, and mobile networks to
bolster regional growth and sustainable development.
Principal Secretary of the State Department for MSMEs, Susan Mang’eni echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of a unified language for seamless trading and economic growth.
The celebrations during Kenya Day were attended by notable dignitaries, including the Minister of Commerce, Transport, Industry, and Tourism in Burundi, Marie Chantal Nijimbere, Deputy Secretary General
of the East African Community, Susan Mange’ni, and Ambassador of Kenya to Burundi, Daniel Wambura CBS.
The trade fair stands not only as a testament to the vibrancy of Kenya’s MSME sector but also as a platform
for fostering regional collaboration and economic prosperity.
