Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe has called on stakeholders to support young Kenyan enterprises, highlighting their role in driving the country's creative economy. He made the remarks during the official opening of the 2026 Nairobi International Trade Fair on September 30, at Jamhuri Showground. The annual exhibition, which ran from September 28 to October 4, drew exhibitors from various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
Kagwe singled out digital and marketing firm Wave 360 Africa as an example of homegrown innovation. He praised the company for using creativity, technology, and a deep understanding of Kenyan people to build brands that connect. Wave 360 Africa was founded in 2022 and positions itself as a 360-degree integrated marketing resource, serving brands across East Africa.
Wave 360 Africa's work spans strategy, creative production, digital and social media, events, activations, and media. The company has built a portfolio across various sectors, including government, healthcare, and financial services. Its CEO, Zedekiah Mukoya, responded to Kagwe's recognition, citing the collective effort of his team and reinforcing the firm's founding approach.
Mukoya stated that the recognition reflected the team's hard work and validated their philosophy of understanding people first and building brands that speak to them in a language they understand. He emphasized the firm's responsibility to create work that delivers real value to brands, institutions, and communities.
This year's trade fair recognition builds on an earlier milestone for Wave 360 Africa. During the previous Nairobi International Trade Fair, President William Ruto visited the company's stand and congratulated the team on their experiential activation for Pepsi. The activation was subsequently recognized with a trophy.
Wave 360 Africa has continued to expand its footprint beyond Kenya. In April 2025, it announced an expansion into Uganda as part of a wider push to serve clients across the East African region. The company's growth underscores the increasing role of young, locally driven creative firms in Kenya's broader economic conversation.
Kagwe's call to support local enterprises highlights the importance of homegrown innovation in shaping Kenya's digital economy. The recognition of Wave 360 Africa serves as a testament to the potential of young Kenyan companies to drive creativity and technology. As the country continues to evolve, the growth of such enterprises will likely play a significant role in its economic development.
Key points
- Mutahi Kagwe calls on stakeholders to support young Kenyan enterprises.
- Wave 360 Africa recognized for its innovative approach to marketing and digital services.
- The company expands its footprint into Uganda, solidifying its presence in the East African region.
