Bungoma County, KNCCI partner to host October trade fair

By Peter Ochieng

The county government of Bungoma has partnered with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), to host the highly anticipated October 2024 trade fair.

The event, set to run from 9th to 11th October, aims to position Bungoma as a hub for trade and innovation. With thousands expected to attend, the trade fair seeks to create business opportunities and foster economic growth in the county.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting with KNCCI Bungoma chapter members on Wednesday, governor Kenneth Lusaka emphasised the importance of partnerships in supporting local enterprises.

“We are committed to boosting small enterprises, but we cannot do it alone. Collaboration with the chamber of commerce will be key to ensuring the success of the upcoming trade fair," he stated.

The former Senate Speaker urged Bungoma residents to invest in agricultural value chains, so as to enhance food security, which remains a top priority of his legacy regime.

“Our farmers, let us be serious. If you are going to become an avocado farmer, go into it full time. If you want to go into onion farming, go into it fully,” he stated.

He called on farmers to align their farming practices with the changing times. “We really need to be in tandem with the times. 10 years from now, we should never have unprocessed products leaving Bungoma. We want them processed and exported to other markets.”

He added that through partnerships with the national government and other players, Bungoma is witnessing great infrastructural development, geared towards improving accessibility.

On his part, Dr. Erick Rutto, KNCCI President who graced the meeting, pledged to market Bungoma's renowned coffee in global stage markets. "We are dedicated to showcasing Bungoma coffee to the world, ensuring that its rich flavour and high quality are recognized globally," he said.

Dr. Rutto laid emphasis on the chamber’s commitment to expanding international markets for the region's coffee producers.