It is early Christmas for Kisumu residents as Kenya Association for Manufacturers (KAM) holds a first-edition shopping festival to showcase the ingenuity of Kenyan products and promote the spirit of consuming locally manufactured products.
The manufacturer’s summit and expo provide an opportunity to celebrate and create awareness of the diverse, high quality and unique products that local industries produce.
The exhibition drive dubbed ‘Kisumu Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival’ brings together various exhibitors from Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) and manufacturers from across the country to interact directly with the lakeside shoppers to market their products.
The event sponsored by the NCBA bank runs from 1st to 4th December at the Agha Khan hall in Kisumu town.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Kisumu County CECM for Trade, Tourism, Industrialization and Marketing Farida Salim urged investors to tap on the opportunities available in the counties to transform the nation towards shared prosperity.
“We welcome manufacturers to continue investing in the lakeside county as we endeavour to promote Kisumu County as an investment hub and tourist destination for the region,” stated Salim.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Kisumu branch Chairman
Israel Agina speaking at the same event hailed the local manufacturers for their contributions to driving the country’s economy and providing employment opportunities.
At the same time, Agina called on the National and County governments to support the manufacturing industry by enhancing a conducive environment to attract more start-ups and for the sector to thrive.
“We are grateful for the support from the government and other stakeholders, in our quest to push the Buy Kenya Build Kenya agenda, to promote our competitiveness and productivity, said Agina.
“Consuming our local products, as a nation, instils in all of us a sense of ownership and pride in growing our economy,” added Agina.
KAM Nyanza and Western Region Vice Chairperson Patrick Jackino speaking at the same function said the government should be committed to building, creating, adding value, and taking pride in the local industries to achieve holistic socio-economic development.
“The country has a lot in store for everybody. This calls for the governments and all Kenyans to consume and promote the high-quality, locally made products to boost the local sector,” stated Jackino.
Local industries, added Jackino, have leveraged innovation and technology to provide Kenyans and the global market with high-quality products.
The Kisumu Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival will see members of the public buy quality clothes, foodstuffs, home appliances and high-end furniture all manufactured locally at fairly cheaper prices.
KAM has held similar festivals in Nairobi and Mombasa Counties that brought together over 150 exhibitors.
By Robert Ojwang’
