Regional entrepreneurs target growth at EAC MSME fair in Nairobi despite low turnout
Scores of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) from across the East African region have converged at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi for this year’s East African Community (EAC) MSMEs Trade Fair.
The annual event, one of the region’s most popular, offers traders a platform to showcase their products and make end-of-year sales.
Participants from Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania arrived in Nairobi ahead of last Thursday’s opening. Most are exhibiting artisanal crafts, hair and beauty products, clothing, bags, jewellery, and other handmade goods—each highlighting the creativity and innovation thriving across the region.
However, some exhibitors have expressed disappointment over slow business and low visitor turnout.
Julius Idro, who is exhibiting raw shea nuts, shea butter, and pieces of the unique Jingli tree from his country, says the tree is prized for its ebony-like texture and commonly used in wood carvings. He had hoped to sell the materials or carve custom pieces for new clients, but says things haven’t gone as planned.
Some of the items on display at the ongoing EAC trade fair in Nairobi. (Photo: Mary Wambui)
'Nothing is moving'
“We came here three days ago, but nothing is moving. People are not here, it’s only the exhibitors present, looks like people were not informed of this event,” he told The Eastleigh Voice on Tuesday.
His frustrations are shared by Vincent Lubega, a young Ugandan entrepreneur and owner of Big Leather Goods Limited. Lubega is selling leather shoes, sandals, belts, bags, and other items, but has yet to meet his sales target.
“We came three days ago. Business is slow. We haven’t made many sales. People are complaining about the prices, yet I’ve reduced them to a promotional level,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Lubega says he appreciates Kenya’s warm hospitality and lively atmosphere.
“This venue looks too corporate, thus limiting the majority's access. I wish it were organised in a central place like in the city. Most people also seem unaware of this event. We are making losses, going for days without making sales, yet we have to eat and pay for accommodation; it is challenging,” he said. “But the people are friendly, and we are enjoying ourselves.”
A few meters from Lubega’s stand, a Tanzanian vendor is selling raw palm oil made in Tanzania. Though originally from Lamu, she says she now lives in Tanzania, where her family has settled through intermarriage and entrepreneurship.
She worries that she may not recover her operational costs, having sold only four bottles since her arrival.
“It seems the expo was not advertised, clients are very minimal, but we are enjoying the music,” she said.
The EAC MSMEs Trade Fair offers traders a platform to showcase their products and make end-of-year sales. (Photo: Mary Wambui)
Hope for good business
Similarly, Kenyan trader Jennifer Ariong, who sells brass jewellery, key holders, and other assorted items, hopes business will pick up after the event’s official opening.
“Business is low, and it seems the event was not advertised. Even when you Google what is happening at Uhuru Gardens, it doesn’t lead you to the expo, yet we started paying for exhibition slots in October. I mostly sympathise with those coming from other countries,” she said.
The trade fair, which officially began on November 7, runs until November 11. President William Ruto is scheduled to open the event today.
Business partnerships
The 10-day fair aims to give MSMEs and investors opportunities to forge business partnerships, access new investment avenues, and showcase innovation across multiple sectors.
On the sidelines, the event also features business-to-business and business-to-government forums, fostering dialogue and collaboration among entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors.
According to the Ministry of Trade, the fair has, since its inception, brought together MSMEs from all EAC partner states—now eight in total—to explore new markets, share emerging technologies, and deepen regional integration.
“The inclusion of the DRC and Somalia into the EAC has significantly expanded the regional market to a population of 312 million people and a combined GDP of approximately USD 305 billion. This growth provides renewed momentum for enhancing intra-EAC trade and strengthens the region’s position within the wider African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which connects a market of over 1.4 billion people and a GDP exceeding USD 3.5 trillion,” the ministry adds.
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