Kenyan businesses have been urged to take advantage of the increasing opportunities in the Chinese market as bilateral trade strengthens, driven by exhibitions like the recently concluded East Africa Kenya Fashion Life Show.
The expo, held at Nairobi’s Sarit Centre, brought together over 65 companies from China and Kenya, showcasing products in fashion, beauty, home décor, and electronics.
Organised by Afripeak Expo Kenya Limited, led by Gao Wei, who is also the Chairman of the Kenya Overseas Chinese Association (KOCA), the event aimed to foster collaboration.
“This is our second year running this event,” said Gao. “We’ve brought together Chinese lifestyle and fashion suppliers and are working closely with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to mobilize local industry players.”
Gao noted that the platform is not just for consumers but serves as a springboard for cross-border partnerships and investment.
“Some Kenyan designers are already exploring collaborations with Chinese factories. One Chinese company plans to start manufacturing wigs locally—a direct result of this platform,” he revealed.
“Trade is the gateway to attracting investment,” he added, stressing that the event also serves to promote Kenyan products to China through direct business interactions.
The Chinese exhibitors hailed from regions such as Shandong and Guangzhou, while Kenyan participants included both established brands and emerging entrepreneurs, many from Kiambu County.
Richard Ndung’u, Chairman of the KNCCI Kiambu Chapter, called on Kenyan traders to fully utilize platforms like this.
“We are here to showcase Kenyan products like coffee, tea, macadamia, and avocados, which are popular in the Chinese market. I just returned from China, where we secured a market for more Kiambu products,” Ndung’u said.
He noted that many local traders miss opportunities due to a lack of access to timely trade information.
“That’s why KNCCI is here—to connect Kenyan SMEs with the Chinese market. We have the information, and we have the networks.”
Ndung’u also urged Kenyans to look beyond the narrative of trade imbalance and focus on leveraging China’s vast consumer base of 1.5 billion.
“The Chinese have embraced us. Every day, there is a flight from China bringing many visitors to Kenya. We have to take advantage of this,” he said.
Trade between Kenya and China has been increasing over the past few years, with Kenyan exports on the rise. Recent policy shifts by Beijing, including zero-tariff access for African goods, have further invigorated prospects for local exporters.
