CHANGAMKA HOPING FESTIVAL 2026: KENYA GETS READY TO CELEBRATE ITS OWN

NAIROBI, KENYA | NOVEMBER 2, 2026

Kenya is counting down to one of its biggest celebrations of locally manufactured products as the 9th Edition of the Changamka Shopping Festival prepares to take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi, from November 3 to November 7, 2026.

The festival, organized by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in partnership with the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), is all about giving Kenyan-made products the recognition they deserve while encouraging consumers to support local businesses.

Held alongside the Kenya Industrialization Summit, scheduled for November 4–5, the event is expected to bring together manufacturers, investors, policymakers, business owners and consumers under one roof. It will provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products, connect with potential partners and explore new opportunities for growth.

But beyond the exhibitions and business discussions, the message behind Changamka is simple: Kenya has the potential to produce more of what it consumes, and supporting local products is one way every Kenyan can contribute to that progress.

Building a stronger manufacturing future

The push for local manufacturing took center stage during a joint media briefing by KAM and MITI held on October 14, 2026.

Speaking at the briefing, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Industry, Dr Juma Mukhwana, emphasized the need for Kenya to move beyond exporting raw materials and focus more on processing and manufacturing finished products locally.

He challenged the country to work towards manufacturing 50 per cent of the goods it consumes, noting that this would help create jobs, reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the economy.

According to Dr Mukhwana, investing in local production would benefit more than just factories. Farmers, transporters, distributors and other businesses along the supply chain would also have an opportunity to grow.

His message was clear: Kenya should not only be a country that produces raw materials but one that transforms those materials into products that can compete both locally and internationally.

Taking Kenyan products beyond local markets

For local manufacturers to grow, having customers at home is important, but reaching markets beyond Kenya is equally essential.

KAM Board Chairperson Hitesh Mediratta stressed the importance of building a strong domestic market while encouraging manufacturers to explore regional and international opportunities. He explained that expanding into export markets would allow Kenyan businesses to reach more customers, increase production, earn foreign exchange and create additional employment opportunities.

Mediratta also highlighted opportunities available through trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (Kenya-EU EPA), AGOA and COMESA.

However, he noted that manufacturers must be ready to meet international standards, improve production capacity and access affordable financing if they are to compete successfully in these markets.

The people behind the Changamka initiative

Behind the festival is the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, an organisation that has represented Kenya’s manufacturing and value-add industries since 1959.

The association is led by Board Chairperson Hitesh Mediratta and Chief Executive Officer Tobias Alando. KAM continues to advocate for a business environment that allows manufacturers to grow, innovate and compete.

Through initiatives such as Changamka, the association is bringing businesses closer to consumers and reminding Kenyans that the choices they make when shopping can have a direct impact on the local economy.

Choosing a locally manufactured product may seem like a small decision, but when many consumers make that choice, the impact can be significant. It helps businesses stay in operation, supports workers and creates opportunities for other enterprises along the supply chain.

More than just a shopping festival

The Changamka Shopping Festival will run alongside the Kenya Industrialization Summit, creating an opportunity for meaningful conversations about the future of manufacturing in Kenya.

The summit is expected to bring together government representatives, manufacturers, investors, financial institutions and development partners to discuss investment, innovation, market access and ways of making Kenyan industries more competitive.

The events have received support from partners including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Network International, Mitchell Cotts and Kenya Breweries Limited.

An invitation to all Kenyans

As the event approaches, KAM is encouraging consumers, manufacturers, buyers, distributors and investors to be part of this year’s festival.

Whether you are a business owner looking to showcase your products, an investor searching for opportunities or simply a consumer interested in discovering what Kenyan industries have to offer, Changamka provides an opportunity to connect and be part of the country’s manufacturing journey.

From November 3 to November 7, KICC will provide a platform for celebrating local talent, businesses and innovation.

Ultimately, the success of Kenyan manufacturing does not depend on manufacturers and the government alone. Consumers also have an important role to play.

Every locally made product purchased represents an opportunity to support a Kenyan business, sustain a job and contribute to a stronger economy.

WHEN WE SUPPORT WHAT WE MAKE,

WE HELP BUILD THE KENYA WE WANT.

BUY KENYA, BUILD KENYA.