By Njeri Irungu
Nairobi, Kenya, 10/11/2025
Kenya is hosting the 25th East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Trade Fair at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi, in an event that marks a significant milestone in the region’s journey of economic integration. The annual fair, first held in 1999, celebrates its silver jubilee this year under the theme Advancing Innovation and Regional Value Chains for Competitive MSMEs towards Sustainable Development.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary highlighted that the theme aligns closely with the country’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which emphasizes agricultural productivity, strengthening MSMEs, digital infrastructure, affordable housing, healthcare, and the creative economy.
“This year marks the 25th year of EAC integration,” the CS said. “It is a moment for partner states to take stock of our commitments, reflect on our progress, and affirm our shared vision of regional prosperity.”
More than 3,000 exhibitors from across the EAC partner states are participating in the fair, showcasing products in agriculture, textiles, food processing, leather, crafts, technology, and cultural heritage. The exhibition, the CS noted, reflects a region that is increasingly confident in its ability to supply products to a market of over 300 million consumers.
“Our diversity, creativity, and adaptability to emerging technologies show that East Africa is on a steady growth path,” the CS said.
However, the CS also pointed out that MSMEs across the region continue to face considerable barriers, including limited access to finance, constrained market reach, operational challenges caused by climate change, and gaps in skills and technology transfer. The trade fair, therefore, serves not only as a marketplace but also as a platform for collaboration among governments, financiers, and development partners.
“We must create a supportive ecosystem that allows MSMEs to thrive and realize their full potential,” she said.
With the majority of the region’s population being youth, the CS emphasized entrepreneurship as a critical lever for tackling unemployment. She noted that Kenya, in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), is hosting a high-level ministerial roundtable during the trade fair to explore policy and market-driven solutions to unlock youth-led innovation and enterprise.
The event also welcomed representatives from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Their presence signals growing efforts to connect East African businesses to wider continental markets and expand trade opportunities for women- and youth-led enterprises.
“The AfCFTA offers a powerful pathway to expand market access,” the CS stated. “Our region stands to benefit immensely from deeper continental trade.”
The fair continues throughout the week, with exhibitions, business clinics, investment forums, and cultural showcases scheduled to run alongside policy discussions that are expected to feed into recommendations for the upcoming EAC Heads of State Summit.
