By Dennis Gichuiri
Kenya is stepping up efforts to increase market volumes within the East African Community (EAC), with a particular focus on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
During the launch of the National Organizing Committee for the 24th EAC MSME Trade Fair, Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya underscored the trade fair’s importance in unlocking opportunities for Kenyan businesses.
Micro Small Enterprises Authority(MSEA) CEO Henry Rithaa, Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME’s CS Wycliff Oparanya, State Department of MSME’s PS Susan Mang’eli and MSEA Chairman James Mureu
Oparanya noted that the EAC, with its population of around 300 million and a combined GDP of $312 billion, offers substantial prospects for regional integration and trade. The recent inclusion of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Somalia into the EAC has further enhanced intra-regional trade, opening doors to new markets.
“The EAC now stretches from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic, positioning the region more competitively to access the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Oparanya stated.
He added that Kenya, with its logistical advantages, is well-placed to supply diverse goods, such as food, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products.
The 24th EAC MSME Trade Fair, set to take place in Juba, South Sudan, from October 26 to November 5, will feature 15,000 MSME exhibitors. Kenya is preparing to send 400 representatives to the event, which will showcase innovations and facilitate business linkages amid current economic challenges. The trade fair presents an essential platform for participants to share knowledge and enhance their market reach within the region.
