Nairobi: The second Kenya BuildCon and Kenya Wood Expo 2025 kicked off at Sarit Expo Centre on Thursday, showcasing innovation in construction, energy, and sustainable manufacturing. The three-day event brings together government officials, investors, and exhibitors from Kenya, India, and beyond to promote industrial growth, trade partnerships, and green technology adoption.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME’s Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya emphasized the importance of joint ventures between international investors and local businesses, particularly in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. “Joint ventures allow foreign investors to integrate quickly into our market. We welcome partnerships that create jobs, transfer technology, and build Kenya’s manufacturing capacity,” said Oparanya.
He noted that the Expo, featuring the Kenya BuildCon, SIPL (Solar, Infrastructure, Power, and Lighting), and Kenya Wood segments, aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) by empowering local enterprises, promoting innovation, and strengthening industrial value chains. Oparanya said the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for MSMEs by expanding market access, supporting product development, and increasing access to affordable financing through the Hustler Fund, SACCO Fund, and Financial Inclusion Fund. “This Expo is not just a display of products. It is a declaration of intent to build smarter, power greener, and grow together,” he said.
State Department of Investments, Trade, and Industry Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Juma Mukhwana urged international exhibitors, particularly from India, to invest long-term in Kenya’s manufacturing sector rather than operating as temporary showpiece vendors. “Some exhibitors just come, display their products, then vanish. That does not help us. We want real partnerships that set up production here, create jobs and manufacture goods locally,” he told delegates.
Dr. Mukhwana highlighted Kenya’s booming affordable housing initiative, with a target of 200,000 new homes by the end of the year, as a massive opportunity for suppliers of standardized building components such as doors, roofing materials, smart locks, and fittings. He called for collaboration in producing these items in Kenya to support the housing sector and meet rising domestic demand.
The PS also pointed out Kenya’s historical and logistical ties to India, emphasizing that despite being on separate continents, India is geographically closer to Kenya than many African countries. “Our history with Indian entrepreneurs is deep. Many came here with nothing and built prosperity. We are calling for the same spirit today,” said Mukhwana.
He reminded investors that Kenya offers industrial parks and incentives such as duty-free importation of raw materials for local manufacturers, noting that finished imports attract tariffs of up to 35%. This, he said, gives manufacturers every reason to invest and produce locally.
Kiambu County Deputy Governor Rosemary Njeri Kirika also addressed the gathering, presenting Kiambu as a premier investment destination in Kenya and East Africa. With a population nearing three million and proximity to Nairobi, she said the county offers a strategic location for businesses targeting urban markets, renewable energy solutions, and manufacturing. “We have zoned land ready for industrial use, a strong road network, skilled labour, and investor-friendly policies,” said Kirika. “Our tree-growing potential also supports wood processing and eco-friendly manufacturing,” she added.
She highlighted ongoing solar projects such as the Angaza Kiambu initiative, aimed at powering public facilities with clean energy. Kirika urged businesses in solar, electronics, timber, and industrial tools to explore Kiambu for setting up showrooms, data centers, and light industries. “Kiambu is not just open for investment, it is ready for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth,” she said.
The 2025 Expo, co-organized by Pre-Direct Trade Fair and Events Ltd, Exhibitions and Trade Services India Ltd, and the Vajra Association of Kenya, attracted dozens of international exhibitors across key sectors. The Kenya BuildCon Expo focused on advancing local capacity in construction, housing, and infrastructure. It encouraged MSMEs to engage in the production of cement, steel, and other building materials, in line with the government’s vision of inclusive urban development.
The SIPL Expo showcased solar energy and smart technology innovations, providing a platform for MSMEs to scale solutions in off-grid power, e-mobility, and green technology, a key pillar of Kenya’s Climate Change Action Plan. Meanwhile, the Kenya Wood Expo celebrated the work of local artisans, cooperatives, and rural enterprises in furniture-making and interior design. The event encouraged the use of eco-friendly materials, sustainable forestry, and circular design in value-added wood products, reinforcing the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative.
The government reiterated its commitment to supporting enterprise formalization, technical training, and regional market integration. Organizers noted that the Expo’s collaborative platform is key to bridging gaps between Kenya’s small businesses and global investment opportunities. The Expo runs until June 14, with exhibitors expected to explore joint ventures, supply chain agreements, and technology transfer opportunities that can enhance Kenya’s manufacturing and export capacity.