The Exporter - Feb 2021

FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE

THE EXPORTER The Exporter is a monthly publication of the Kenya Export Promotion Branding Agency

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FEBRUARY 2021 ISSUE

Agency Rolls out Second Phase Product Development Program The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency partnered with County Governments to roll out its second phase of Instructive trainings of the Product Development and Branding Programme. The second phase of instructive trainings of the Product Development and Branding programme targets enterprises from 32 counties including, Bungoma, Busia, Kisumu Homa Bay, Kakamega, Siaya, Vihiga, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Bomet, Narok, Meru, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Mombasa, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Lamu and Tana River Counties.

The Agency’s Product Development and Branding Programme is an integrated programme aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of export products through quality product development and value addition to help enlarge Kenya’s supply base of exportable products. Selected enterprises and groups are facilitated to improve the quality of their products, packaging, expand their product range as well as meet regional and international market standards.

To ensure the products have complied to required industry standards, the Agency has partnered with product development specialists from Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), The University of Nairobi School of Art and Design, the Numerical Machining Complex and Medium and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA).

Participants pay close attention during the product development program in Bungoma

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Participation in the Dubai Gulf Food 2021 Kenya participated in the international food and beverage event that took place from 21st - 25th February 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. A delegation from KEPROBA attended the event which provided an excellent opportunity for Kenyan exporters in the food and beverage sector to showcase their products and meet potential buyers.

The KEPROBA team also accompanied a delegation from the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to a meeting with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Chairman, H.E. Abdalla Al Owais. The SCCI has provided the KNCCI with an office which will serve as a focal point forboth countries to increase trade by harmonizing trade processes and standards.

The Kenyan delegation at the Country stand during the Gulf Food exhibition held in Dubai

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KEPROBA Director, Ms. Kathleen Kihanya (left) with the delegation from KNCCI at the SCCI offices

The KEPROBA Team visited the Dubai Multi-Commodity Center (DMCC) Coffee and Tea Centers that offer storing and Valueaddition services. Discussions centered around availing opportunities for Kenyan Tea and Coffee producers to package and brand their products for international markets.

L-R Director Kathleen Kihanya, CEO Dr. Wilfred Marube and Charles Tumbo stand next to Kenyan Tea and Coffee at the Dubai Multi Commodity Center.

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Expo Dubai 2020 Preparation A team from KEPROBA visited the Expo site to assess the progress of the construction of the Kenya Pavilion. The expo will run from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022. Kenya will be participating under the Opportunity theme.

A team from KEPROBA and the Kenyan Consulate in Dubai visit the Expo 2020 site

Launch of the Business Support Organizations Directory.

Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency in partnership with the International Trade Center launched a business support directory for women entrepreneurs to enhance participation of women-owned businesses in international trade.

International Trade Centre is implementing this under the She Trades Commonwealth project, which aims to increase economic growth and job creation in Commonwealth countries by increasing theparticipation of womenowned businesses and thereby positioning Commonwealth at the forefront of creating trade and investment opportunities for women.

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She Trades initiative aspires to connect three million women to markets by 2021 through rallying stakeholders around the world to work together on seven actions that address trade barriers and create greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

As part of its project plan, She Trades Commonwealth has drafted a Kenyan-focused directory of Business Support Organizations and their relevant services targeted towards Small and Medium Enterprises, in particular Women-Owned Businesses. This directory will be hosted by the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency as the anchor Business Support Organization for Kenya for continual updates and dissemination.

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KEPROBA SIGNS MOU WITH KENTRADE Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) enabling the two institutions to collaborate and create synergies in enhancing cross border trade for Kenya.

The implementation of the MOU will harmonize information sharing on export procedures in order to improve the rate at which Kenyan exports get to the global market.

L-R KenTrade CEO Amos Wangora and KEPROBA CEO Dr. Wilfred Marube sign the MOU

KEPROBA Develops Integrated Marketing Communication Plan for the Textile and Apparel Sector.

In a bid to promote the Buy Kenya Build Kenya Initiative in the Textile and apparel sector, The Kenya Export promotion and Branding Agency hosted Textile industry stakeholders during a breakfast meeting to launch the Integrated Marketing Communication Plan which was developed in collaboration with the textile industry players. The sector is a priority sector for the country which aims to create employment amount the youth and revive the cotton industry.

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Akinyi Odongo, Chair of the Kenya Fashion Council, addresses participants at the event

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KEPROBA continues to support this initiative through Fashion Friday.

Agency staff wear clothing made in Kenya every Friday in support of the Presidential Directive issued in July 2019 in support of the local textile industry.

KEPROBA Staff members well-dressed in locally made outfits

Nyeri County Engagement

Round-table discussions at the Iriaini tea factory in Nyeri-Othaya to discuss the opportunities and challenges affecting tea as an export product.

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A team from KEPROBA visited and engaged Nyeri County and key stakeholders on discussions regarding the pain areas facing tea and coffee farmers in the County. The event was cohosted by the State Department for Trade, Coffee and Tea Directorates among others. The tour of Nyeri County included factory and farm visits and as well as discussions with industry stakeholders.

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Quote of the Month “A successful team is a group of many hands and one mind”. Bill Bethel

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