Somalia - Kenya Trade Week
Yo, what’s up, trade week fam? Day One of the Somalia-Kenya Trade Week wrapped up at BBS Mall, and lemme tell you—it was nothing short of epic. From high-flying airlines to street-smart cab apps, from halal meat that’s as legit as your grandma’s stew to real estate deals that feel like stepping into the future while paying homage to tradition, today was a rollercoaster ride through Kenya’s best and brightest business offerings. Grab your coffee (or your jaba juice shot) and dive in!
Banking & Finance: Securing the Future Together
Salaam Microfinance Bank is about making those cross-border transactions smoother than your favorite playlist.
What They Do: Offering tailored business and personal current accounts that let you handle cash, mobile money, and even PesaLink transfers like a pro.
Why It Matters: In a world where financial friction can stall your hustle, their friendly tariffs, free e-statements, and multi-currency options keep your cash flow on point.
The Vibe:“Securing the future together” isn’t just a motto—it’s a promise to empower traders and entrepreneurs across borders.
Transport & Logistics: Moving You Forward
i-FLY AIR
When your business moves at the speed of thought, you need an airline that keeps up.
Routes & Timings: i-FLY AIR connects Nairobi with key destinations like Wajir (departures on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays around 8 AM with returns by 4 PM) and Mogadishu (flying on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, typically departing around 9:30 AM and returning by 5 PM).
Costs: Roughly Ksh 5,000 for Wajir and about Ksh 8,000 for Mogadishu—prices that make you wanna book that seat, stat!
Why It Rocks: Declared Best Domestic Airline of 2023, i-FLY AIR is turning travel into a breeze, so you can focus on sealing those trade deals.
Faras Cab-Hailing Service
Forget traffic jams—Faras is here to get you where you need to be in style.
What’s Cool: With up to a 30% discount and categories like Faras Economy and specialized electric/non-electric bodas, you’ve got options for every mood.
Perks: Their “FarasMiles” program gives you 10% cashback after every ride, and the in-app SOS button keeps safety at the forefront.
The Real Talk: It’s like having your own personal ride service that’s got your back even when the city feels like a parking lot.
Real Estate & Hospitality: Where Luxury Meets Legacy
Sun n’ Sand Beach Resort
“Every sunset tells a story” isn’t just poetic—it’s the vibe here at Sun n’ Sand.
The Lowdown: Nestled on 16.5 lush acres along Kikambala Beach in Kilifi, this resort overlooks 200 meters of pristine Indian Ocean coastline, just 28 km north of Mombasa City.
Accommodations: Ranging from Standard Rooms (perfect for a chill getaway) to Royal Suites and Executive Suites, with prices roughly in the Ksh 7,500–13,500 range (bed & breakfast packages included).
Food & More: Expect gourmet buffets and local delicacies that won’t break the bank—a culinary journey that’s as vibrant as the sunset itself.
Access: Easy-breezy trips to Moi International Airport and Vipingo Airstrip make it the ideal spot for jet-setters and holiday home seekers.
Ocean View Haven by Rehan Properties
For those who dream in skylines and sea breezes, Ocean View Haven is where the future of living meets tradition.
The Scoop: Off-plan apartments just a 2-3 minute walk from the beach in Kikambala—one-bedrooms are snapped up fast, with the last two-bedroom units going for about Ksh 6 million, and a luxe three-bedroom penthouse for Ksh 13.5 million.
Extras: Think gyms, pools, lifts, and all the recreational vibes you need to live your best life.
Payment Flexibility: Only 20% down and the balance spread over five years with zero interest—ideal for diaspora investors looking to cash in on holiday homes or AirBnB gems.
Agent in the Know: Hit up Wamonje at 0713103838 for the full rundown.
Urban Point Banquet Hall
Whether it’s a wedding, a corporate bash, or that party you’ve been planning, Urban Point Banquet Hall in Parklands (with a sister location at Urban Point Hotel in Eastleigh) is where visions turn into memories.
Features: Ample, secure parking; free WiFi; air conditioning; smart display monitors; and dining that spans multiple cuisines.
Capacity: Ready to host up to 300 guests—perfect for those grand celebrations.
Halal & Agro Industries: Quality Meat, Real Standards
Neema Livestock and Slaughtering Investments Limited is redefining halal meat in Kenya.
What’s on Offer: Fresh and frozen beef, goat (chevon), and lamb products, all certified to the highest FSSC 22000 standards.
Scale: Daily slaughtering capacity of around 15,000 sheep and goats and 500 heads of cattle, with chilling/freezing facilities that can handle up to 12,000 animals and 30 tonnes of beef.
Market Reach: Dominating both domestic tables and Middle Eastern markets, Neema Livestock’s products are a testament to quality, consistency, and competitive pricing.
More Than Meat: With an online shop and a long list of partners—from top hospitals to luxury hotels—they’re not just selling meat; they’re delivering tradition and trust.
Emerging Markets & Specialty Products: Innovation on the Menu
The Agriculture and Food Authority on Miraa
Today’s vibe wasn’t just about hard cash and corporate deals—the aroma of innovation was in the air, especially with miraa.
Jaba Juice & Miraa Shots: Imagine an espresso shot, but with pure miraa juice—a concentrated, flavor-packed alternative to hours of chewing. It’s the new cool, bridging tradition with modern convenience.
Industry Impact: With strict regulations in place, the production and distribution of miraa (and muguka) are evolving. Different regions in Kenya boast their own varieties, each with unique market shares and demand. The rise of jaba juice and miraa kombucha (crafted by a Meru University professor behind Handas Power energy drink) signals a shift towards value-added products that could revolutionize the industry.
Regulations & Vendors: The code of practice is tight, ensuring quality and safety, with popular vendors emerging across Nairobi to cater to the evolving tastes of modern consumers.
Rootz Jaba Juice
Straight from the industrial heartland, Rahul from Rootz Jaba Juice is on a mission.
The Pitch: They’re turning traditional miraa into an easy-to-consume drink. Sure, too much miraa might knock your sperm count temporarily (but it’s reversible, so chill!), and that’s why they’re all about moderation and innovation.
Distribution: They sell directly to distributors and online liquor stores, calling on Kenyans to back the value addition game.
The Call: “Support our hustle and let’s take Kenyan miraa to the world stage!”
Auto & Infrastructure: Built for the Hustle
Changan Auto by Inchcape Kenya
Say hello to the Changano 5 Star 5—a single-cab mini truck that’s as nimble as it is tough.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 456 cm (L) x 164.5 cm (W) x 189 cm (H)
-Payload: 1 tonne; **Wheelbase:** 2900 mm
-Engine: 1.2L Euro 4 delivering 72 kW of power and 119 Nm torque
-Transmission: 5-speed manual (FWD)
-Extras: 14″ alloy wheels, front fog lights, sliding driver seat, and all the safety essentials like 3-point seatbelts and disk brakes.
-Warranty: 3 years or 60,000 km—whichever comes first.
-The Pitch: Perfect for small business owners and delivery hustlers who need a reliable, budget-friendly workhorse.
Legal & Real Estate Investments: Setting Up for Success
FKC Legal (FK Cheluget Advocates)
When the paperwork starts piling up, FKC Legal is the crew you want on speed dial.
What They Do: Specializing in investment law, cross-border tax compliance, dispute resolution, and business registration, they help you focus on your grind while they untangle the legal knots.
The Vibe: Their client-first approach means they’re all about making your business journey as smooth as a well-oiled machine.
MaCaash Investments
For those dreaming big in real estate, MaCaash Investments is carving out premium spaces across Nairobi and beyond.
What’s Hot: Offices in Parklands, ventures in Kilimani, projects in Voi, and even upcoming deals in Lukenya. They handle everything from one-bedroom digs to six-bedroom family estates, with flexible payment plans (think 20% down and the balance over two to five years, with zero interest if you play it smart).
The Offer: Whether you’re buying to rent or as a personal haven, MaCaash’s projects are designed to deliver both style and substance.
Infrastructure & Beyond: Powering the Future
Masai Cables
Last but not least, Masai Cables is the unsung hero keeping the lights on—literally.
Operations: With a main factory in Isinya, a depot in Embakassi, and a central office in Kitengela, they supply high-quality electrical cables to Kenya and even export to Burundi and Congo.
Extra Services: They also handle borehole drilling, pumps, and motors, proving that in today’s world, infrastructure isn’t just built—it’s engineered with precision.
What’s Next?
Day One of the Somalia-Kenya Trade Week was a whirlwind—a fusion of old-school tradition and cutting-edge innovation. On day two, expect even more deep dives into digital trade, e-commerce, and fintech trends that are set to redefine how we do business across borders.
Stay tuned for more unfiltered updates, and remember: whether you’re riding in a Faras cab, jetting off with i-FLY AIR, or savoring a shot of miraa juice, this trade week is all about breaking barriers and building bridges between cultures, economies, and generations.
Peace out for now—see you on Day Two!
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