Kenya is participating in the 2026 Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Ndola under the theme, “Bridging Markets, Building Futures.”
The country’s participation underscores its commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with Zambia while expanding market opportunities for Kenyan businesses across the region.
The trade fair provides an important platform for Kenyan companies to showcase their products and services, establish strategic business partnerships, explore new export markets, and promote regional trade and investment.
Among the Kenyan exhibitors at this year’s fair are Spartan Batteries, a leading manufacturer of automotive and industrial batteries;Pembe Flour Mills Limited, a producer of premium flour and animal feeds; Davis & Shirtliff, renowned for its borehole equipment, irrigation systems, water pumping solutions and solar technologies; Maanzi Valley, a Kenyan company operating in Zambia for over 25 years and specializing in the production of drinking water; Gourouk Limited, a distributor of a wide range of Kenyan-manufactured products; and several Kenyan Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are showcasing an array of locally made clothing, apparel and other value-added products.
Kenya’s participation in the fair reflects the country’s continued commitment to promoting intra-African trade, supporting local enterprises to access regional markets and advancing economic integration under continental and regional trade frameworks.
The Intra African Metrology System (AFRIMETS) board convened this week in Johannesburg, South Africa, to finalize the registration of AFRIMETS as a legal entity, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Africa's metrology infrastructure and advancing continental quality systems.
Representing the East African Community Subregional Metrology Organization (EAC SRMO) at the meeting was the Ag. Director of Weights and Measures John Wamwana. The board deliberated on key governance instruments, including the memorandum of incorporation, by-laws, code of conduct, sustainability framework and the legal registration framework under South African law.
Established in 2006, AFRIMETS has played a leading role in coordinating and advancing metrology systems across Africa. Its legal registration will complete the formalization of all four pillars of the Pan-African Quality Infrastructure (PAQI)—AFRIMETS, AFRAC, ARSO and AFSEC enhancing collaboration in support of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The other three PAQI institutions had previously attained legal status, making AFRIMETS the final pillar to be formally registered.
The legal recognition of AFRIMETS is expected to strengthen the organization's institutional capacity, enhance governance and improve the sustainability of its operations. It will also enable AFRIMETS to more effectively coordinate metrology activities across the continent, promote internationally recognized measurement systems, and support industrial development, fair trade, consumer protection and regional economic integration.
The outcomes of the board meeting are expected to lay a firm foundation for a more coordinated and globally competitive African metrology system that will facilitate trade, innovation and economic transformation across the continent.
Housing remains a key pillar of Kenya's socio-economic development, driving demand for locally manufactured products, creating employment opportunities and stimulating growth across multiple sectors of the economy.
The General Manager of the National Housing Corporation (NHC)John Agutu, today paid a courtesy call on the Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam, to discuss areas of mutual interest, including strengthening collaboration between the housing and trade sectors, promoting local manufacturing and supporting sustainable development.
The meeting also discussed leveraging the housing sector to stimulate economic growth through increased use of locally manufactured construction materials, strengthened value chains and enhanced investment and enterprise development, while underscoring the importance of inter-agency partnerships in advancing the Government's Bottom up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Today marks the first anniversary of the renewed Kenya–United Kingdom Strategic Partnership 2025–2030 following its signing by H.E. President @WilliamsRuto and H.E. the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer.
At the heart of the partnership is a shared ambition to deepen economic cooperation and double bilateral trade by 2030, fostering sustainable growth, investment, innovation and prosperity for both nations.
One year into implementation, the partnership takes firm shape, with encouraging progress in advancing its economic objectives. According to the Kenya-UK Trade and Investment Factsheet (June 2026) bilateral trade between Kenya and the United Kingdom surpassed the £2.0 billion mark during the first year of the partnership , reaching £2.1 billion (approximately KES 360 billion) in 2025, representing a 3.1% increase over 2024. Kenya's exports to the UK reached £1.3 billion, while UK exports to Kenya rose to £788 million.
Investment ties also continued to strengthen, with the stock of UK foreign direct investment in Kenya reaching £781 million (approximately KES 133.7 billion) at the end of 2024, representing a 25.2% increase from 2023. Kenyan investment in the United Kingdom also recorded modest growth, with the stock rising to £19 million (approximately KES 3.25 billion, an increase of 5.6% (£1 million) over the same period. Beyond highlighting economic growth, these figures reflect the progressive strengthening and diversification of value chains across sectors.
Documentary | Zero Tariffs, Infinite Opportunities — The Zero-Tariff Journey of Kenyan Avocados🥑 to China
Two months after the implementation of China's zero-tariff treatment, more and more Kenyan avocados are entering the Chinese market and reaching households across the country.
This short documentary offers an in-depth look at the positive impact of the zero-tariff treatment on Kenyan avocado farmers, the upgrading of local specialty industries, and the improvement of community livelihoods.
It also explores how this policy dividend can be better leveraged to expand mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Kenya across a wider range of sectors, creating new opportunities for shared growth and development.
@Planning_Ke PS @BonfaceBMakokha today presided over the launch of Pilot Impact Assessment Report for (AIDA) & (AfCFTA) Kenya Country Report held at the Edge Conference Centre, Nairobi. @KeTreasury @NepadArpmKenya @ichwarajm
The Department of Weights and Measures has successfully completed the initial verification of custody transfer flowmeter measurement systems at West Valley Distillers Limited in Soin, Kericho County.
The verified systems will provide accurate and legally traceable measurement of ethanol for excise duty computation, paving the way for the factory's licensing and commencement of operations.
The investment will add value to sugarcane by converting molasses into Extra Neutral Spirit (ENA) and Industrial Spirit (IS), supporting tax compliance, industrial growth, job creation and expanded markets for sugarcane farmers.
Bura Irrigation Scheme in Tana River county is a key agricultural hub that plays a significant role in supporting livelihoods and economic activity in the region.
Today,a team from the State Department for Trade led by Deputy Director of Trade Mathew Komen met the Scheme Manager James Kirimi alongside officials from the National Irrigation Authority.
The meeting centered on the scheme's contribution to food security, employment creation and agricultural production alongside ongoing efforts to expand irrigation, promote rice farming, strengthen market linkages and explore opportunities for value addition for rice and other produce including maize,tomatoes and watermelons.
The meeting also explored potential interventions to address challenges related to market access, agro-processing, power connectivity and farmer capacity building, with a view to unlocking investment opportunities and enhancing the scheme's economic impact.
Garissa County offers immense trade opportunities, led by livestock and supported by agro-businesses like lemons, sunflower, mangoes and bananas.
Today, a team from the State Department for Trade led by Deputy Director for Trade Mathew Komen toured the county to assess market infrastructure with the aim of improving market access, addressing trade barriers, promoting value addition and building trader capacity, while raising awareness of bilateral trade agreements and intra-county trade.
The visit is part of county-level engagements in the Boni Enclave which seeks to strengthen market systems and sustain economic gains alongside improved security across Lamu, Kilifi, Garissa, and Tana River counties which form the enclave.
The Garissa visit builds on earlier engagements in Lamu and Kilifi. During the tour, the team paid courtesy calls on Garissa County Commissioner John Cheruiyot and Chief Officer for Trade and Investment Jael Odhiambo.
Both meetings underscored the need for collaboration in supporting peace building and security to deliver economic growth in the Boni Enclave and surrounding areas.
The State Department for Trade has continued its market assessment mission under the Amani Boni Programme with visits to Hola and Garsen markets in Tana River County, following earlier engagements in Garissa County.
Tana River County presents significant trade potential, with livestock serving as the main value chain alongside fresh produce, particularly watermelons. The visits provided an opportunity to assess market infrastructure, understand trade linkages and identify opportunities for value addition, investment and improved market access for local producers and traders.
During the tour, the team paid courtesy calls on Tana River County Commissioner Joseph Mwangi and Chief Officer for Trade, Tourism and Industrialization Yahya Borrow. Discussions highlighted the need to leverage trade as a catalyst for economic growth, social cohesion and sustainable livelihoods, while addressing challenges that have hindered investment and value addition in the county.
The engagements also explored opportunities to strengthen market systems, attract investment, and create stronger linkages between producers and markets as part of wider efforts to unlock the economic potential of communities living within and around the Boni Enclave
Kenya and Germany continue to build a strong economic partnership anchored on trade, investment, innovation and sustainable development.
At the Kenya-Germany Business Day held in Berlin stakeholders explored opportunities to deepen collaboration in agribusiness, renewable energy, digitalization and labour mobility which are key sectors driving economic transformation and shared prosperity.
Speaking at the forum Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a competitive business environment that attracts investment, promotes value addition, creates jobs and strengthens regional and global trade linkages.
ENHANCING TRACEABILITY
AFA launches a new portal to track agricultural exports
New system to help track fruit and vegetable exports to the EU
Kenya complies with international export standards
New system to help improve efficiency and reduce costs
#WorldcupIkoKBC
Roses. A Kenyan story.
Spotted Kenyan roses in a London florist today. Grown in Kenya, admired around the world. They bring beauty to millions of lives and quietly tell a story of excellence, hard work and national pride.