Kenya Marks 25 Years of EAC MSME Trade Fair with a Call for Innovation and Regional Unity
Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya speaking during the 25th EAC MSME Trade Fair in Nairobi, where he urged East African nations to boost innovation and regional trade.
Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya on Tuesday hosted the 25th East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Trade Fair, a milestone event that celebrated a quarter-century of entrepreneurship, innovation, and integration within the region.
The colourful Kenya Day celebration at Uhuru Gardens drew hundreds of exhibitors, policymakers, dignitaries, and guests from across East Africa. The fair, themed “25 Years of EAC Integration: Advancing Innovation and Regional Value Chains for Competitive MSMEs Towards Sustainable Development,” showcased the remarkable progress MSMEs have made as the backbone of regional economies.
Speaking at the event, Cabinet Secretary for MSMEs and Cooperatives, Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, commended the growth of the fair and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to empowering small businesses under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
> “The 25th EAC MSME Trade Fair marks a significant milestone in our journey towards economic transformation. It is not just a celebration of the past, but a reflection on how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve together.” He said.
Dr. Oparanya praised the resilience and creativity of MSMEs across the region, noting that they are key drivers of innovation, employment, and inclusive growth.
“The diversity and quality of products showcased here today are proof that East Africa has come of age.Through collaboration and regional integration, we can build value chains that create jobs, open markets, and ensure no entrepreneur is left behind.” He added.
He also called for stronger linkages among governments, development partners, and the private sector to ease access to finance, technology, and markets for MSMEs, particularly youth and women-led enterprises.
Echoing his sentiments, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs, Hon. Beatrice Askul, hailed the fair as a shining example of regional unity and progress.
“Over the last 25 years, this fair has provided an invaluable platform for entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and build lasting partnerships across our borders.It has strengthened the bonds of trade and trust that define the East African Community.” She said.
Hon. Askul emphasized that MSMEs contribute over 90% of businesses, 60% of employment, and nearly 30% of the GDP in the EAC region a clear indicator of their central role in sustainable development.
“As we look ahead, we must ensure that MSMEs are equipped to participate fully in regional and continental markets such as the AfCFTA, innovation, value addition, and youth empowerment must be at the heart of our collective efforts.” She emphasized.
She further commended Kenya for hosting the silver jubilee edition of the fair, saying it symbolizes both progress and promise for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Principal Secretary for MSMEs, Ms. Susan Mang’eni, applauded the EAC for maintaining a strong tradition of cooperation and learning through the annual fair.
“This fair is like a 25-year-old youth full of energy, creativity, and ambition, it represents the spirit of the East African entrepreneur: bold, resilient, and always ready to innovate.” She said.
Ms. Mang’eni urged policymakers to continue creating an enabling environment for small enterprises to thrive, particularly through simplified trade procedures, access to finance, and regional value chain development.
“We must make it easier for MSMEs to move goods, share ideas, and access technology .When our entrepreneurs succeed, our communities prosper, and our region grows stronger.” She said.
The celebration featured exhibitions of locally made products, cultural performances, and a moment of reflection to honour the late Right Honourable Raila Odinga for his legacy in leadership and regional integration.
As the curtains fell on the Kenya Day festivities, participants reaffirmed their commitment to deepening EAC integration, promoting youth and women-led enterprises, and building a sustainable future anchored on innovation and collaboration.
