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KEPROBA Newsletter

JULY 2026 ISSUE

COVER STORY • ATHLETICS

Emmanuel Wanyonyi breaks the 27-Year-Old 1000m World Record on debut in Monaco In Monaco, a 21‐year–old Olympic and World 800m champion took on a distance he had never raced and rewrote a record that had stood since before he was born.

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ALSO INSIDE Exporters' Dinner · Saudi Trade Mission · Kisumu National Show · Team Kenya at Glasgow 2026 · BuildExpo Kenya · What Make It Kenya Means

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KEPROBA Newsletter

JULY 2026 ISSUE

IN THIS ISSUE

Contents

A round-up of Kenya's export wins, trade missions and nationbranding moments for July 2026 ATHLETICS 1

Wanyonyi Shatters the 1000m World Record

p.03

Cover story — a debut for the ages in Monaco

TRADE POLICY 2

Kenya Strengthens Push for Export Growth

p.04

Government unveils quarterly Exporters’ Forums at inaugural KEPROBA dinner

TRADE MISSION 3

Kenya Deepens Trade Ties with Saudi Arabia

p.06

Inside the landmark Riyadh business mission and round table

MADE IN KENYA 4

p.07

Made in Kenya Takes Center Stage KEPROBA showcases local brands atthe Kisumu National Show

SPORTS DIPLOMACY 5

Beyond the Medals: Team Kenya at Glasgow 2026

p.09

12 medals, and a masterclass in nation branding

TRADE EXHIBITIONS 6

p.013

27th BuildExpo Kenya 2026 270+ exhibitors from 44 countries open new exportdoors

NATION BRANDING 7

What Make It Kenya Means to Kenyans

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An editorial on pride, reputation and the story we tell

FROM THE EDITOR July was a month Kenya showed up on the track, at the negotiating table, and on the exhibition floor. This issue is a reminder that the Kenyan brand is built one story, one deal and one podium at a time.

EDITORIAL Publisher — KEPROBA Maureen Mambo - Editor -in-Chief Mariam Maina - Editor Contributors — Mariam Maina, Nixon Mutai, Gertrude Mirobi, Lilian Irungu, John Mwangi, Linet Njoki Design & Layout — Njaaga Karanja

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KEPROBA Newsletter

JULY 2026 ISSUE

COVER STORY · ATHLETICS

Continued from page 1 >>>

Emmanuel Wanyonyi breaks the 27-year-old 1000m world record on debut in Monaco BY NIXON MUTAI · Communications Intern

“2:11.83 — a world record 27 years in the making, broken on a distance he had never raced before.”

mmanuel Wanyonyi, a 21 year-old Kenyan runner has never raced a 1000 metres race before, a track discipline that is quite rare. Picture this, he is at the Monaco Diamond League on July 10th, 2026, to run 200 metres beyond his specialty of 800 metres where he is the reigning Olympic and World champion and yet he has suffered several setbacks this year. One surprising loss was in the Oslo Diamond League of June 10th, 2026, where he finished second to 17-year-old American, Cooper Lutkenhaus. Was Wanyonyi done? Was anybody even thinking about a new world record in such a race whose record was set by Noah Ngeny of Kenya in Rieti, Italy, on 5th September 1999. Yes, 2:11.96 is a tall order for a two and a half lap race. Unbroken for 27 years. Set long before Wanyonyi was born! As Wanyonyi warmed up at the start line, he stood between Jake Wightman from Great Britain and Louey Ouerrat from France. Several pacemakers were ready for action. As Wanyonyi was preparing himself for the race, doubts from

his recent losses in shorter distances might have crossed his mind. When the race began, the pacemakers hit the front. After 400 metres, Wanyonyi was bidding his time on the heels of one remaining pace rabbit. Jake Wightman, who is a 1500 metre specialist, was breathing down his neck. They barreled through the backstretch at an incredible pace. With a determined look on his face, Wightman was poised to strike for glory. Come the final bend, the stadium announcer and spectators were beginning to sense something extraordinary was about to happen. Was the world record, which had stood unchallenged for more than two generations, on the chopping board? Was Wanyonyi or Wightman the one to break it? Was anybody even expecting this unbelievable human feat in the small principality of Monaco? When the two leading runners entered the home stretch, the stadium erupted with pure ecstasy. Wanyonyi crosses the finish line, and the stadium electronic timer flashes 2:11.83, a new world record! Wightman finished in second place, over one second behind. His parents and siblings, and villagers of Kapretwa, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya, where he was born, must have marveled at this unbelievable feat. After Sabastian Sawe broke the marathon world record recently, who is next to conquer the world of athletics?

2:11.83

1st

NEW WORLD RECORD

YEARS THE OLD RECORD STOOD

WANYONYI’S AGE

CAREER 1000M RACE

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KEPROBA Newsletter

JULY 2026 ISSUE

TRADE POLICY

Kenya strengthens push for export growth and market access

Government unveils plans for quarterly Exporters’ Forums at KEPROBA’s inaugural Exporters’ Dinner in Nairobi. BY MARIAM MAINA · mmaina@brand.ke

Exporters from priority value chains attend the dinner discussions. Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry CS Lee Kinyanjui, State Department for Trade PS Ms. Regina Ombam and CEO KEPROBA arrive at the inaugural Exporters’ Dinner, Nairobi.

“The greatest challenge facing many of our exporters today is not tariffs, but non-tariff barriers. CS Lee Kinyanjui”

he Government has announced plans to institutionalize quarterly exporters’ forums and establish a structured government- exporters network for the rapid identification and resolution of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), in a major move aimed at accelerating Kenya’s export growth and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in global markets.

frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), East African Community (EAC), COMESA, the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement, the Kenya-United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement, AGOA, and the Kenya-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, non-tariff barriers remain a significant impediment to export growth.

Speaking at the inaugural Exporters’ Dinner organized by the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, said the initiative would provide exporters with a formal platform to engage Government, address market access challenges, and unlock emerging trade opportunities.

“The greatest challenge facing many of our exporters today is not tariffs, but non-tariff barriers. Addressing these challenges requires a genuine partnership between Government and the private sector. We will establish a structured mechanism for rapid identification, reporting, and resolution of trade barriers affecting Kenyan exports,” said Kinyanjui.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that while Kenya continues to enjoy preferential access to some of the world’s largest markets through

KEPROBA Board Chairman, Dennis Mwirigi.

The announcement comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to narrow its trade deficit and increase export earnings through market diversification, value addition, and

enhanced private sector participation in international trade. According to the 2026 Economic Survey, Kenya’s economy grew by 4.6% in 2025, while exports increased marginally by 0.6 percent to reach KSh 1.119 trillion. Key export earners included tea, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables, apparel, and coffee. However, imports rose to KSh 2.772 trillion, widening the trade deficit to KSh 1.653 trillion. The Cabinet Secretary said the figures underscore the need for deliberate interventions to boost exports, particularly through value addition, improved logistics, compliance support, and market intelligence. He challenged exporters to take advantage of the vast opportunities available under regional integration frameworks, particularly the AfCFTA, which presents access to a market of over 1.4 billion consumers. Africa currently accounts for more than 40% of Kenya’s export earnings, making it

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KEPROBA Newsletter the country’s largest export destination. “Think of Africa not simply as a neighbouring market, but as a growth frontier. The opportunities within the EAC, COMESA and the wider African market are immense and largely untapped,” he said. Principal Secretary for Trade, Regina Ombam, underscored the Government’s continued focus on strengthening Kenya’s export ecosystem through targeted policy and institutional interventions. “As a Government, we remain firmly committed to creating an enabling environment for exporters. We are working to improve trade facilitation, reduce the cost of doing business, strengthen quality infrastructure, support product diversification, and promote value addition across key sectors. These efforts are intended to ensure that Kenyan enterprises can compete effectively in international markets,” said the Principal Secretary.

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KEPROBA Board Chairman, Dennis Mwirigi emphasized the Agency’s strategic role in driving export growth through market intelligence, trade facilitation, business matchmaking, exporter capacity building, and promotion of the Made in Kenya brand. He called for deeper collaboration among stakeholders across the export ecosystem to build on Kenya’s growing reputation as a reliable supplier of quality products and services. KEPROBA Chief Executive Officer, Floice Mukabana, said the inaugural Exporters’ Dinner brought together leading exporters from fourteen priority value chains, including tea, coffee, horticulture, textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals, leather, dairy, meat, blue economy, mining and minerals, and creative industries. She noted that Kenyan products and services are currently exported to over 100 international markets, reflecting the growing global footprint of the Kenyan brand.

“While we celebrate the resilience and growth of our exports, we must address persistent challenges including logistics bottlenecks, evolving market compliance requirements, limited value addition, and overreliance on traditional markets. Stronger collaboration between Government and the private sector will be crucial in overcoming these barriers,” said Mukabana. The Exporters’ Dinner provided an important platform for engagement between Government leaders, exporters, trade support institutions and development partners, with discussions focusing on market access, export competitiveness, value addition, and implementation of trade agreements. The event reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to position Kenya as a leading export hub and a globally competitive trading nation.

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KEPROBA Newsletter

JULY 2026 ISSUE

TRADE MISSION

Kenya deepens trade ties with Saudi Arabia through landmark business mission BY GERTRUDE MIROBI · gmirobi@brand.ke

“Kenya’s exports to Saudi Arabia averaged USD 127.6 million a year — against a market that imported USD 252.2 billion in 2025.”

he Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) joined the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, EGH, on a high-level trade mission to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 4 to 9 July 2026. The mission culminated in the inaugural Kenya-Saudi Arabia Business Round Table, a strategic platform aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, investment and commercial partnerships between the two countries. Held under the theme “Bridging Markets, Building Futures: Kenya-Saudi Arabia Business Partnership for Shared Prosperity,” the round table brought together Kenyan businesses and Saudi business leaders at the Federation of Saudi Chambers in Riyadh on 6 July 2026. The forum showcased opportunities across key sectors, including tea, coffee, horticulture, meat, leather, textiles, cut flowers, ICT and financial services, while facilitating business-to-business engagements aimed at expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

The business forum formed the centrepiece of a five-day trade mission that also included engagements with the Embassy of Kenya in Riyadh, the Expo 2030 Riyadh Company and the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT), underscoring Kenya’s commitment to expanding its presence in one of the Middle East’s most strategic markets. Saudi Arabia remains one of the world’s largest import markets, recording imports worth USD 252.2 billion in 2025. However, Kenya’s exports to the Kingdom averaged just USD 127.6 million annually between 2021 and 2025, compared to imports from Saudi Arabia averaging USD 857.1 million over the same period. This gap presents significant opportunities for Kenyan exporters to increase their market share. Kenya’s leading exports to Saudi Arabia include edible nuts and related products, tea, sheep and goat meat, fresh and dried fruits, and vegetable textile fibres. Market intelligence developed by KEPROBA further identifies packaged black tea, fresh cut roses and unroasted coffee as products with strong growth potential in the Saudi market. The round table generated strong commercial interest, with Saudi buyers expressing demand for Kenyan tea, coffee, fresh fruits and vegetables, macadamia, meat and livestock

A Made in Kenya gift is presented to Saudi hosts during the Riyadh mission.

USD 252.2B SAUDI ARABIA’S TOTAL IMPORTS, 2025

products, and processed foods and beverages. Saudi investors also explored opportunities in agribusiness, food processing, logistics, renewable energy, manufacturing and technologyenabled services. The engagements resulted in business-to-business meetings, discussions on distributorship arrangements, preliminary joint venture opportunities and commitments for follow-up engagements. To sustain the momentum, KEPROBA and the Federation of Saudi Chambers agreed to organise virtual sector-specific business forums, providing additional opportunities for Kenyan and Saudi businesses to connect beyond the Riyadh mission. The mission also strengthened institutional partnerships. During a courtesy visit to the Embassy of Kenya in Riyadh, H.E. Ambassador Joseph Masila reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting KEPROBA in advancing Kenya’s economic diplomacy agenda and transforming diplomatic missions into hubs for trade and investment promotion. The Ambassador also confirmed Kenya’s invitation to participate in the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Forum, scheduled for 26–29 October 2026 in Riyadh. A strategic visit to the Expo 2030 Riyadh Company provided the delegation with insights into

USD 127.6M KENYA’S AVERAGE ANNUAL EXPORTS TO SAUDI (2021–25)

5 Days LENGTH OF THE RIYADH TRADE MISSION

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KEPROBA Newsletter participation opportunities for Expo 2030, which will run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031 under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow.” The mission concluded with a high-level meeting with the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade (GAFT), where discussions focused on establishing a formal partnership between KEPROBA and GAFT. The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will provide a structured framework for market intelligence sharing, joint trade promotion activities, exporter capacity building and business matchmaking. Both institutions also explored collaboration on trade fairs, the establishment of a Kenya Trade Desk within GAFT and a future GAFT trade mission to Kenya. The proposed KEPROBAGAFT partnership represents a significant milestone in strengthening Kenya’s institutional trade architecture with Saudi Arabia. By creating direct channels for collaboration, the partnership will help reduce market entry barriers, improve access to

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trade information and support Kenyan exporters seeking to expand into the Gulf region. Following the mission, KEPROBA has identified several priority actions, including finalising and disseminating a Kenya–Saudi Arabia market intelligence report, organising virtual sectoral business engagements with the Federation of Saudi Chambers, advancing the KEPROBAGAFT MoU, coordinating Kenya’s participation at the Future Investment Initiative Forum and Expo 2030 Riyadh, strengthening collaboration with private sector organisations, and leveraging the Kenyan diaspora in Saudi Arabia as market ambassadors to promote Kenya’s exports and investment opportunities. The mission reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s growing importance as a strategic export destination for Kenya and demonstrated KEPROBA’s continued commitment to connecting Kenyan businesses with new markets, fostering international partnerships and advancing the country’s export-led economic growth agenda.

MADE IN KENYA

Made in Kenya takes centre stage at Kisumu National Show 2026 KEPROBA’s Kenya Trade House connects local enterprises to new markets under the theme of climatesmart, sustainable growth. BY LILIAN IRUNGU interncomm2@brand.ke

Scale Tech Solutions Ltd showcasing their innovative technology solutions at Kisumu National ASK Show 2026.

“Kenyan products can compete successfully in regional and international markets. PS Regina Ombam”

enya’s creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit took the spotlight at the Kisumu National Show as the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) showcased the strength of locally made products under the Made in Kenya initiative.

The Kenya-Saudi Arabia Business Round Table at the Federation of Saudi Chambers, Riyadh.

Held from July 22-26 2026 at the Mamboleo Showground, Kisumu, the event, themed “Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic

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Growth,” brought together businesses, government institutions, and stakeholders to highlight solutions that support sustainable production, value addition, and market access.

the initiative. The programme continues to grow a network of brands committed to promoting authentic Kenyan products and strengthening the country’s export identity.

The KEPROBA exhibition at the Kenya Trade House provided visitors with an opportunity to experience a wide range of Kenyan products while learning about the Agency’s role in promoting export growth, strengthening brands, and connecting enterprises to local, regional, and international markets.

Among the enterprises showcasing their products were Bagman Tents and Leather Company, which displayed locally crafted leather products, reflecting Kenya’s growing potential in design, craftsmanship, and value addition within the leather industry. In the agroprocessing sector, Dash Crip Ltd showcased its whole grain flour, promoting nutritious and locally processed food products. Kenya Cooperative Coffee Exporters introduced Shiriki Coffee, highlighting Kenya’s rich coffee heritage and the journey from farmers to global consumers.

A key highlight of the showcase was the visit by the Principal Secretary for Trade, Regina Ombam, who toured the KEPROBA stand and engaged with the team on the Agency’s mandate and programmes. She commended the Agency’s efforts aimed at promoting Kenyan enterprises and encouraged businesses to take advantage of emerging trade opportunities. “Our local enterprises have immense potential, and through value addition, innovation, and strategic market access, Kenyan products can compete successfully in regional and international markets,” she said. The Kisumu Naintegration and highlighted key areas aligned with sustainable economic growth, including climatesmart agricultural solutions, modern technologies, Blue Economy integration, and expanding trade opportunities through frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The exhibition further provided an opportunity to recruit new Made in Kenya adoptees, with businesses and visitors expressing interest in joining

Other exhibitors included Ndhiwa Peanut Butter and Honey, showcasing natural Kenyan products; Scales Tech Solutions Limited, presenting innovative technology solutions; Glerian Ltd, who displayed locally produced cleaning detergents; and Jopers Busy Ltd, which promoted hibiscus herbal tea as part of Kenya’s growing wellness products sector. Beyond the products displayed, the Made in Kenya showcase celebrated the people behind the brands farmers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs whose innovation and determination continue to contribute to Kenya’s economic growth. The Kisumu National Show demonstrated that Made in Kenya is more than a brand; it is a commitment to quality, sustainability, value addition, and positioning Kenyan

Madam Caroline from Dash Crip Ltd engages a visitor explaining the nutritional benefit and value addition behind the company’s whole grain products.

Stanford Asava from Kenya Cooperative Coffee Exporters introduces visitors to Shikiki Coffee, sharing insights into Kenya’s premium coffee value chain and export potential.

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KEPROBA Newsletter products for global recognition. From coffee and herbal tea to leather, flour, honey, detergents, and innovative solutions, Kisumu showcased a powerful message Kenya has products, talent, and stories ready for the world.

JULY 2026 ISSUE

SPORTS DIPLOMACY

FEATURED MADE IN KENYA EXHIBITORS BAGMAN TENTS & LEATHER

NDHIWA PEANUT BUTTER & HONEY,

DASH CRIP LTD

SCALES TECH SOLUTIONS

KENYA COOPERATIVE COFFEE EXPORTERS

JOPERS BUSY LTD

GLERIAN LTD

Pius Ogedo from Glerian Ltd explains the effectiveness and quality of the company’s locally manufactured cleaning detergents.

Beyond the Medals: Team Kenya elevates Kenya’s nation brand at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Twelve medals, a historic javelin bronze, and another chapter in Kenya’s sporting story as told through the eyes of nation branding.

Visitors interact with KEPROBA Brand Development and Marketing Manager Beatrice Wairimu learning about Agency’s mandate and its role in promoting Kenyan exports, branding local products and connecting business to global markets.

BY JOHN MWANGI · interncomm2@brand.ke

he moment Team Kenya’s iconic uniform comes into view; the world knows what to expect: champions. More than a sporting outfit, its distinctive colours, inspired by Kenya’s national flag, have become a symbol of excellence, resilience and the unwavering spirit that has defined generations of Kenyan athletes. Whether on the track, in the field or on the podium, the uniform tells a story of a nation that never stops striving for greatness. Kenya won a total of 12 medals, comprising 3 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze medals.

KEPROBA’s Brand Development and Marketing Manager Beatrice engages with PS for Trade Regina Ombam during a tour of the Agency’s exhibition stand at Kisumu National Show

That story unfolded once again at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026, where Team Kenya not only competed against some of the finest athletes across the Commonwealth but also proudly carried the country’s identity to a global audience. Every race, every throw, every lift and every medal reinforced Kenya’s reputation as a nation whose sporting excellence transcends competition and serves as one of its most

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KEPROBA Newsletter powerful nation-branding assets.

The story of a nation The journey began at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on July 20, 2026, where Government leaders, sports administrators, athletes and partners gathered to officially flag off Team Kenya. The ceremony was more than a farewell; it was a reminder that every athlete would carry not only the Kenyan flag but also the hopes of millions of citizens and the responsibility of representing the country’s values before the world.

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carrying far more than national colours. “They carry the hopes of millions of Kenyans and the story of a nation known for excellence, resilience, discipline and determination,” she said. “Every outstanding performance on the international stage inspires future generations while opening doors for Kenya’s tourism, trade, investment, culture and globally recognized products. The CEO added that that international sporting events provide one of the most authentic platforms for telling Kenya’s story to the world. She emphasized that every victory, every display of

PS for Sports Elijah Mwangi, KEPROBA CEO Floice Mukabana, NOCK First Vice President Barnaba Korir, Team Kenya Captain Julius Yego and Assistant Captain Zeddy Cherotich during the Team Kenya flag-off ceremony ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi, on July 20, 2026. Flagging off the team, Sports Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi challenged the athletes to compete with confidence, integrity and discipline while remaining worthy ambassadors of Kenya’s rich sporting heritage. “They are ambassadors of resilience, courage and excellence, and I have no doubt they will make our nation proud,” he said. “May they compete with honor, inspire millions back home and return bearing the rewards of their hard work.” As a proud partner of Team Kenya, the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) reaffirmed the important role of sport in strengthening Kenya’s nation brand. Speaking during the ceremony, KEPROBA Chief Executive Officer Ms. Floice Mukabana reminded the athletes that they were

determination and every moment of sportsmanship contribute to shaping positive global perceptions of Kenya. When competition got underway on July 23, 2026, Team Kenya wasted little time reminding the Commonwealth why the country remains one of the world’s athletics powerhouses.

The defining moment The Games’ defining moment came in the men’s 3,000 meters steeplechase, where Edmund Serem delivered a commanding performance to win gold with a powerful finishing kick in 8:18.23, leading a spectacular Kenyan podium sweep alongside Simon Kiprop Koech, who claimed silver in 8:18.59 after staying in contention throughout the race, and Leonard Kipkemoi Bett, who

secured bronze in 8:21.63 after setting the pace for much of the contest. It was a performance that reaffirmed Kenya’s enduring dominance in one of its signature events. Kenya’s medal celebrations continued through exceptional performances across athletics. Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang stormed to gold in the men’s 5,000 meters in a tactical time of 13:23.61, while Faith Cherotich added another gold with a brilliant, recordbreaking victory of 9:01.76 in the women’s 3,000 meters steeplechase, underlining the country’s remarkable depth in distance running.

The race walks also delivered memorable success as Stephen Ndangiri Kihu earned silver in the 10,000 meters walk, smashing the Kenyan national record in a blistering 38:46.57. Meanwhile, Diana Wanza produced a determined performance to secure silver in the women’s 10,000 meters, clocking a superb 31:50.13 to secure a historic double podium for the nation. In the women’s 800 meters, Lilian Odira added another silver after a composed and courageous race, stopping the clock at 2:00.58 following a thrilling, photo-finish sprint. Kenya’s bronze medal tally reflected the diversity of talent within Team Kenya. Wycliffe Kinyamal battled to bronze in the men’s 800 meters, Timothy Cheruiyot added bronze in the One Mile, while Irene Jepkemboi earned a historic bronze in the javelin throw, becoming the first Kenyan woman ever to win a javelin medal at the

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Commonwealth Games, showcasing Kenya’s growing strength in field events. Beyond athletics, Joshua Amunga Mboya demonstrated Kenya’s expanding sporting excellence by securing bronze in the men’s 60kg weightlifting competition. By the time the Games concluded on August 2, 2026, Team Kenya had once again delivered a campaign worthy of celebration.

Powerful platforms

nation-branding

Beyond the medals, Team Kenya projected the values that continue to define the country’s global identity, discipline, resilience, determination and excellence. Every appearance in the iconic red uniform, every national anthem played during medal ceremonies and every image of Kenyan athletes proudly draped in the national flag strengthened Kenya’s reputation as a nation of champions. For KEPROBA, Glasgow 2026 once again demonstrated that sport remains one of Kenya’s most powerful nationbranding platforms. Every achievement on the international stage generates global visibility that extends beyond competition, drawing attention to Kenya’s tourism, investment opportunities, culture, innovation and world-renowned products. As Team Kenya returned home from Glasgow, they carried more than twelve medals. They brought home renewed national pride and another chapter in Kenya’s remarkable sporting story. Long after the cheers have faded and the stadium lights have dimmed, the legacy of Glasgow 2026 will endure, not only in the medals won but in the powerful image of a confident nation whose champions continue to inspire the world. For whenever the world sees Team Kenya’s iconic uniform, it sees more than athletes. It sees champions. It sees Kenya.

05 BRONZE

Team Kenya Final Medal Tally, Glasgow 2026

03 GOLD

04 SILVER

Leonard Kipkemoi Bett 3,000m Steeplechase

Edmund Serem 3,000m Steeplechase

Stephen Ndangiri Kihu 10,000m Race Walk

Wycliffe Kinyamal 800m

Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang 5,000m

Simon Kiprop Koech 3,000m Steeplechase

Timothy Cheruiyot One Mile

Faith Cherotich 3,000m Steeplechase

Diana Wanza 10,000m

Irene Jepkemboi Javelin Throw

Lilian Odira 800m

Joshua Amunga Mboya 60kg Weightlifting

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Irene Jepkemboi, bronze medalist in the women’s Javelin throw, became the first Kenyan woman to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the event.

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Joshua Amunga, bronze medalist in the men’s 60kg weightlifting at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Wycliffe Kinyamal, bronze medalist in the men’s 800 meters at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

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TRADE EXHIBITIONS

27th BuildExpo Kenya 2026: opening new export opportunities for Kenyan manufacturers

270+ exhibitors from 44 countries and 10,500 products put Kenya’s construction and manufacturing sector on the regional stage. BY LINET NJOKI · InternCOMM1@brand.ke

“Kenya’s construction sector rebounded by 6.8% in 2025, reflecting renewed infrastructure investment.”

he 27th edition of BuildExpo Kenya 2026, held from July 8-10 2026 demonstrated Kenya’s growing importance as a regional hub for manufacturing, trade and investment. The exhibition brought together local manufacturers, exporters, investors, government agencies and international buyers, creating a strategic platform for expanding Kenya’s export footprint. The Expo attracted over 270 exhibitors from more than 44 countries, reaffirming its position as one of East Africa’s premier international trade exhibitions for the building and construction industry. The exhibition showcased more than 10,500 products spanning the construction, engineering, mining, water technology, and manufacturing sectors, providing participants with an extensive platform to discover innovative technologies, equipment, and solutions. The event also drew thousands of visitors, buyers, investors, and industry stakeholders seeking to establish new business partnerships, explore investment opportunities, and strengthen regional and international trade networks. The event was held alongside several specialised exhibitions, including WaterTech Africa, MinExpo Africa, LightExpo Africa, and Afriwood Kenya,

collectively creating one of the largest industrial trade platforms in East Africa. The participation of exhibitors from the different countries highlighted the growing international confidence in Kenya as a strategic regional trade gateway and an attractive investment destination, further reinforcing the country’s role as a hub for commerce, industrial development, and export growth within the region. The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) promoted the exhibition as a strategic platform for expanding Kenya’s export markets and showcasing locally manufactured products to international buyers. KEPROBA sought to create awareness among Kenyan exporters, encourage business participation, and facilitate business-tobusiness (B2B) linkages with regional and global investors by disseminating information on exhibition schedules,

participation opportunities and market access prospects. The construction and manufacturing sectors continue to offer significant export opportunities for Kenyan businesses, particularly within the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where demand for quality construction materials and manufactured products is steadily increasing. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Economic Survey 2026, Kenya’s construction sector rebounded by 6.8% in 2025 after contracting by 0.7% in 2024, reflecting renewed infrastructure investment and increased demand for construction inputs. As the national agency mandated to promote exports and strengthen Kenya’s global brand, KEPROBA is leveraging platforms such as BuildExpo

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Kenya 2026 to connect local manufacturers with international buyers, provide market intelligence, support export readiness, and promote value-added products including cement, steel, paints, ceramics, aluminium products, and prefabricated

building materials. Through these efforts, KEPROBA is helping Kenyan manufacturers access regional and international markets, expand exports, attract investment, and contribute to the country’s export-led economic growth.

NATION BRANDING · EDITORIAL

ONE VOICE

COUNTIES

THE KENYAN COMMUNITIES

4.1 PASSION & PRIDE 4.2 POSITIVE DIRECTION FORWARD

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ALL KENYA’S COMMUNITY

CULTURE & HERITAGE

What Make It Kenya means to Kenyans It is a promise to the world; but first, an invitation for Kenyans to recognise what they already carry. BY MARIAM MAINA · mmaina@brand.ke smells, the touch, the sounds; lasting memories that make home, Kenya, special and this should be shared with the world.

“It is the reputation that walks into the room before your A few years back, the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency product does.”

sk a Kenyan abroad what they miss most about home and the answers will tickle you. It could be the smell of nyama choma roasting over a charcoal fire or the taste of well cooked ugali, the sound of matatus hooting and conductors calling out for passengers or the use of Kenya-English that only makes sense to Kenyans. There is always that little bit of home that many long for. The simplicity of it all. The memories it carries. The connection. The pride. It could be the smiles, the tastes, the

launched a campaign seeking to position the country brand, Make it Kenya. From Kenya with pride was the strategic positioning for this campaign. This was not just a stakeholder-facing message, but rather, the golden thread and theme that ties everything that we do together as a country. In how we work, lead and say, we need to consider we demonstrate national pride while enabling or driving our stakeholder needs. The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) has

been tasked with the important mandate of implementing export development and promotion activities and coordinating nation branding initiatives. In my view, a country’s image and its trade numbers are the same conversation.

It is the reputation Think about how you decide whether to trust a new supplier you have never met. If you know they are from a place with a reputation for quality say, Italian leather, Swiss watches or German machines, you relax a little before you have even seen the product. That is what nation branding does for exports. It is the reputation that walks in the room before your product does. For Kenya, this matters more than most people in the export business admit.

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JULY 2026 ISSUE

Make It Kenya, as a brand, was built to travel the world and open doors for Kenya. That in their purchasing decisions, they choose Kenya, over and over. But underneath the international positioning statement is something quieter and more personal. An invitation for Kenyans themselves to recognise what they already carry – from Kenya with pride!

Home first It would be easy to think of Make It Kenya as a campaign aimed outward, at buyers in Europe or the US. That is, after all, part of its job, to position Kenya as a destination of choice on the global stage. But a country brand only works abroad if it means something at home first. A slogan cannot inspire confidence in international markets if the people behind it do not believe in what they are selling. Make It Kenya is a promise to the world, but it is also, deliberately, meant to inspire pride among Kenyans in what the country produces, creates and represents. The Made in Kenya mark of identity placed on locally manufactured goods is not just a quality signal for export markets; it is a quiet daily reminder to Kenyans that what is made here can stand shoulder to shoulder with anything made anywhere else.

Pride that shows up in ordinary choices For most Kenyans, Make It Kenya shows up in smaller, more ordinary moments, for example, choosing a Kenyan-tailored outfit for a wedding or buying local coffee or tea instead of an imported brand. It is in the pride of a small business owner in Gikomba whose leather bag ends up in a shop in Paris, or a tea farmer in Kericho who now understands that their crop reaches shelves in Pakistan and Egypt. What distinguishes Make It Kenya from a purely government messaging exercise is that it is not handed down it is taken up. Corporates choosing to have employees wear Kenyanmade fashion to work. Public servants recognising that their conduct, efficiency and attitude are themselves part of how the country is perceived, at home and abroad. Exporters, designers, tea and coffee producers, tour operators and everyday consumers, all making small decisions that add up to a single, coherent statement about who Kenya is and what it offers. That is perhaps the deepest thing Make It Kenya means to Kenyans, a chance to be co-authors of the national story, rather than just its citizens. Every locally made product bought in confidence, every Kenyan story told with pride rather than apology, every visitor encouraged to see Kenya as more than a stopover, adds a line to that story. Make it Kenya is choosing to consume and adorn Made in Kenya products and services. Make it Kenya is choosing to buy Kenya, build Kenya, again and again. Let’s choose Kenya!

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KEPROBA Newsletter

JULY 2026 ISSUE

www.makeitkenya.go.ke

Provides a platform where exporters/sellers can showcase their products internationally.

Provides customized market intelligence information to potential exporters to improve their products and enhance competitiveness.

MAKE IT KENYA E-PORTAL

3 Promotes Kenya’s exports and the nation brand through information dissemination and export assistance.

4 Informs, educates and inspires our internal and external audiences about Kenya and order to influence trade,investments and positive national perspective.

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