Government and non-government representatives are set to convene in Nairobi during the 7th Agro-Food Pack Exhibition, aiming to address concerns related to food security. This three-day event, scheduled for October 27–29, is jointly organized by the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)—Kajiado chapter and MXM Exhibitors, an event management company based in Dubai. Mudasir Mohammed, the organizer of MXM Expo, shared that their primary objective is to establish a technology transfer platform, enhance cross-border trade, and strengthen connections between Kenya and 20 other European and Asian countries.
The event is seen as a valuable opportunity for local farmers, as it introduces agricultural technologies to boost food production. Collaborating with advanced agricultural nations such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to provide local farmers with value-added solutions. The main focus is on promoting trade and technology exchange channels between Kenya and the global market.
The AgroFoodpack Exhibition caters to entrepreneurs in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, seeking to address the challenges faced by Kenyan farmers in terms of accessing markets. Japheth Ogutu, CEO of the KNCCI Kajiado branch, hopes that the exhibition will help Kenyan products gain a foothold outside the UAE. He also encourages foreign exhibitors to consider establishing production facilities within Kenya, taking advantage of the government’s industrial parks.
The exhibition encompasses various sectors, including Agro, dairy, poultry, grains, food processing, packaging, and plastics. Prominent participants include Foshan Biology, SNK Benterkia, Asaal Shirin, Janst Healthcare, Prestige Packing Industry, and Savinda Graphics and Package.
Mudasir Mohammed encourages Kenyan exhibitors to establish lasting partnerships with international peers, potentially acting as agents in their respective countries. This event offers a platform for technology innovators, suppliers, producers, and buyers to explore emerging opportunities in a prime business location. The exhibition is anticipated to feature over 1,500 exhibitors from multiple countries, shedding light on disruptive breakthroughs, technologies, and solutions.
Furthermore, the October expo is expected to highlight changes in the agricultural sector, emphasizing the reduction of manual operations and the expansion of export volumes. Kenya’s rapid economic expansion, especially in manufacturing and agriculture, sets it apart in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Participating countries include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kenya, China, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In a related initiative, efforts are underway to support farmers and agriculture enterprises in preserving food production while conserving ecosystems, water sources, and wildlife habitats. This program, known as the Central Highlands Ecoregion Foodscape (CHEF), is scheduled to launch in November 2023. The aim is to address climate change adaptation and mitigation for both people and the environment by fostering sustainable food production practices in sizable areas where innovation is implemented, known as “foodscapes.”
