Kenya is set to host the 8th edition of the Kenya International Industrial Expo (KIIE) or Kenya Investment & Trade Fair 2025 from September 4th to 6th, 2025, at the Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi.
The event will feature over 200 international exhibitors, primarily from China, and attract more than 6,000 business visitors and trade delegates.
Organized by Afripeak Expo Kenya Ltd in partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the Kenya Investment Authority, this year’s expo will run under the theme “Investing in Tomorrow – Trading for Prosperity”.
The three-day event aims to bolster Kenya’s industrial growth by connecting local enterprises with global manufacturers, suppliers, investors, and innovators across key sectors such as:
- Construction & infrastructure
- Manufacturing & machinery
- Energy & green technologies
- Automotive & transport
- Textiles, ICT, and agricultural equipment
“The Kenya International Industrial Expo is more than an exhibition; it’s a platform for innovation, partnership, and industrial transformation,” said Mr. Gao Wei, Managing Director of Afripeak Expo Kenya Ltd. “This year, we expect greater engagement as global exhibitors bring tailored solutions to meet Africa’s evolving industrial needs.”
Dr. Erick Rutto , KNCCI -President emphasized the critical role of industrialization in Kenya’s development: “Industrial growth must be at the very heart of our agenda. It is the engine that drives job creation, enhances productivity, and fosters innovation. This Expo is not just about showcasing products – it is about building Kenya’s industrial future.”
He further noted that “manufacturing today contributes just 7.6% to our GDP – far below the target of 15%. But the opportunity before us is immense. Research shows that a 1% increase in manufacturing output generates at least 200,000 jobs directly and indirectly across value chains. This is how we can empower our youth, uplift SMEs, and secure our economic future.”
Strengthening Kenya–China Trade Relations
KIIE 2025 comes as Kenya–China bilateral trade surpassed USD 8 billion in 2024, with China remaining Kenya’s leading source of imports especially in industrial equipment, electronics, and construction materials. The expo leverages this momentum by fostering direct business linkages and showcasing advanced yet affordable technologies.
Aligned with Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the expo supports:
- Technology transfer and skills development
- Access to global markets for Kenyan products
- SME growth through B2B connections and financing networks
- Promotion of sustainable industrial practices
Kenya’s strategic location, skilled labor force, and regional integration through EAC and
AfCFTA position it as a gateway to Africa’s 1.3-billion-person market. KIIE 2025 reinforces this role by attracting regional and international buyers, distributors, and policymakers.
What to Expect at KIIE 2025:
- 200+ Global Exhibitors: Showcasing innovations across multiple sectors
- High-Level Forums: Trade and investment dialogues with policy leaders and industry experts
- B2B Matchmaking: Targeted networking between Kenyan firms and international partners
- Live Product Demos: First-hand look at industrial technologies suited for Africa
- Extensive Networking: Engage with business leaders, SMEs, and government stakeholders
KNCCI and the Kenya Investment Authority encourage businesses, investors, and industry professionals to attend and explore the vast trade and investment opportunities on offer.
“Our vision is clear,” added Mr. Gao Wei. “To make the Kenya International Industrial Expo the leading industrial platform in Africa—where global innovation meets African opportunity.”