Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, is leading a Kenyan delegation at the 24th Trade Fair event currently underway at Freedom Square in Juba, South Sudan. Siaya County’s Juakali Association is part of the Kenyan team, following their impressive performance last year when they emerged as the top group in the Trade Fair held in Bujumbura, Burundi. This recognition has earned them the opportunity to showcase their talents and products on a broader East African stage, highlighting their role in promoting Kenya’s artisan industry.
Siaya County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Enterprise, Cooperatives, and Industrial Development, Hon. Grace Agolla, who is accompanying the delegation, expressed confidence in Siaya’s representatives. “Siaya stands out because the products they display are locally made by the Juakali team,” Agolla affirmed, emphasizing the unique craftsmanship and quality of the county’s products. Her remarks reflect the pride Siaya takes in its artisans’ dedication to creating distinctive, locally-made products, which exemplify the strength of Kenya’s small-scale manufacturing sector.
This year’s Trade Fair is themed “Promotion of Unique Innovations and Skills Development among EAC MSMEs.” It has brought together countries from across East Africa with the shared aim of helping small-scale traders embrace technology-driven innovations. The focus is on advancing skill development, facilitating new opportunities, and fostering innovation within the region’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). By highlighting technological progress and artisanal skills, the Trade Fair seeks to propel these businesses toward enhanced growth and sustainability.
During the official opening ceremony, hosted by Vice President H.E. Dr. James Wani Igga, who served as the Chief Guest, underscored the importance of such events. He noted that these opportunities “create jobs and foster innovations while achieving inclusive processes and progress.” He also encouraged leaders across East Africa to support initiatives that unite countries and promote economic growth. His speech stressed the value of bringing together East African countries in collaborative forums, where shared efforts can drive regional business, provide access to new markets, and strengthen bonds through innovation and digitalization.
Vice President Igga further emphasized the potential of such gatherings to create cross-border business opportunities and inspire digital transformation in the East African region. He urged all East African nations to participate in similar forums to bolster regional cooperation and innovation. By facilitating access to broader markets and encouraging a culture of creativity and skill development, events like this Trade Fair represent a critical platform for economic integration and the growth of MSMEs in East Africa.