Nyeri, KICC forge digital trade partnership to expand market access for local businesses
KICC and Nyeri County government officials after the consultative meeting.
By DMS
The County Government of Nyeri is set to partner with the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in a move aimed at opening new domestic and international markets for local entrepreneurs through digital trade and virtual exhibitions.
The planned collaboration follows a meeting between Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and a KICC delegation led by Chief Executive Officer James Mwaura, where the two sides discussed establishing a strategic partnership to enhance the marketing of products and tourism offerings from the county.
Governor Kahiga said the partnership would enable traders from Nyeri to move beyond reliance on traditional physical exhibitions and agricultural shows by taking advantage of KICC’s digital and virtual exhibition platform.
The platform allows businesses to showcase products online throughout the year, giving them an opportunity to connect with buyers locally and internationally without the need to attend physical exhibitions or conferences.
According to the discussions, KICC intends to work with the county in promoting tourism products, agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other locally produced commodities through digital exhibitions and virtual conferences.
Businesses will also be able to advertise their products and services online during conferences and exhibitions hosted by KICC without having to travel to Nairobi.
The arrangement is expected to increase visibility for small and medium-sized enterprises, improve market access and create new revenue streams for traders. Revenue generated through the digital platform will be shared between KICC and the County Government under the proposed partnership.
Governor Kahiga said embracing digital technology was critical in enabling Nyeri enterprises to compete in an increasingly global marketplace.
He noted that the collaboration would strengthen trade relations, support local businesses in reaching wider audiences and contribute to economic growth by connecting producers directly with potential buyers.
The county administration has tasked the Department of Trade, Tourism, Culture and Cooperatives with fast-tracking the partnership. County Executive Committee Member Dr. Lucy Kiogora will lead further engagements with KICC, including negotiations towards the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to operationalise the initiative.
The partnership is also expected to complement Nyeri’s broader strategy of promoting investment, tourism and value addition while embracing digital transformation in service delivery and commerce.
KICC, a State corporation under the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, has in recent years expanded its mandate beyond hosting physical conferences and exhibitions by investing in digital exhibition platforms that enable businesses to market products virtually throughout the year.
The initiative is designed to increase participation by enterprises that may be unable to attend conventional trade fairs because of cost or distance.
Deputy Governor David Kinaniri joined Governor Kahiga during the meeting. Also present were County Secretary Edward Irungu, Chief of Staff Paul Wambugu and Chief Officer in the Governor’s Office Nahashon Mung’ora.
The KICC delegation included Legal Officer Justus Kivindyo, Finance and Accounts Manager Livingstone Kipyegon and ICT Officer Agnes Mutahura.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Matiang’i meets Wambugu, top Nyeri Jubilee aspirants
- Freedom fighters’ caucus welcomes Sovereign Wealth Fund law, begins search for chairperson
- Senate committee confirms Tharaka-Nithi headquarters was county-funded
- Safaricom Foundation launches 500-school programme with KSh95 million Kihate project
- Dangote refinery could redefine Kenya’s economic future, says energy expert
About the Author
