Kenyan Micro and Small Enterprises Secure New Markets at EAC Trade Fair

Nine Kenyan Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) have secured new markets in Rwanda during the ongoing 26th East African Community (EAC) MSMEs Trade Fair in Kigali. The nine MSEs are among 600 Kenyan enterprises exhibiting at the fair. Several Kenyan MSEs have sold out their stock, won supply orders, or opened up trading opportunities with Rwandan supermarket chains and retailers.

Mukurweini Edible Oils from Nyeri, a beneficiary of the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) Project, sold out its entire stock and received requests to supply major supermarkets. Mamloo Foods from Busia, which deals in peanut butter, is in advanced negotiations to supply five supermarket chains. Yatta Juice from Cooperative Society in Machakos sold out its initial stock and is fielding inquiries from Rwandan customers and distributors.

Other Kenyan MSEs that have secured new markets or orders include NYOTA Kuku Ranch from Baringo, which is nearly sold out amid high demand. The enterprise is run by Amos Keitanny, a NYOTA Project beneficiary who has ventured into poultry farming and value addition through the production of chicken feeds. Torochan Cereals from Kericho has received supply orders, while Techwin Machines from Nairobi secured direct orders for machine supply.

The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) is supporting the Kenyan MSEs at the trade fair, with its logistics team and Secretariat providing transport arrangements and KEBS compliance on site. MSEA Director General Mr. Henry Rithaa noted that the Authority is helping enterprises to close deals. The results were celebrated during the Kenya Day celebrations at the Gikondo Expo Ground.

The Kenya Day celebrations were led by the Chief Guest, State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni. She was joined by the EAC, ASALs and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul, Trade Principal Secretary Regina Ombam, and MSEA Chairman James Mureu. The fair brings together more than 1,200 enterprises from the eight EAC Partner States.

The fair is held under the theme "Advancing Regional Value Chains in Leather and Horticulture". PS Mang’eni applauded Kenya’s performance in the region, which was affirmed at the EAC quality Awards 2026. Six Kenyan nominees were recognised, including the Capital Markets Authority, which was named EAC Company of the Year. Kenya's exports to Rwanda exceeded USD 398 million (Sh51.68 billion) in 2025.

PS Mang’eni cited the framework agreement signed in June 2026 to deliver refined petroleum to Rwanda through the Northern Corridor. She also mentioned the 11 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding concluded at the 10th Session of the Kenya–Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation in Nairobi last month. The government is committed to supporting MSMEs to access finance, markets, and opportunities to grow their businesses.

Key points

• Nine Kenyan MSEs secure new markets in Rwanda at the 26th East African Community MSMEs Trade Fair.
• Kenyan MSEs have sold out stock, won supply orders, or opened up trading opportunities with Rwandan supermarket chains and retailers.
• The government is committed to supporting MSMEs to access finance, markets, and opportunities to grow their businesses.