Somalia - Kenya Trade Week
Yo, what’s up, trade fam? From Day 1 to the grand finale on Day 3 at BBS Mall in Eastleigh, the Somalia-Kenya Trade Week has been a non-stop rollercoaster of innovation, tradition, and pure entrepreneurial energy. Whether you were grinding on the floor or had to miss out, here’s the full lowdown on every twist, turn, and epic detail we uncovered—no small detail left behind.
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Cross-Border Brilliance
Sun n’ Sand Beach Resort by Urban Point
“Every sunset tells a story”—and this iconic resort certainly lives up to it.
- Heritage & Growth: Born in 1971 as a humble 7-room hotel on Kikambala Beach, Kilifi County, it’s now an expansive haven on 16.5 acres with 200 meters of pristine beach frontage, just 28 km north of Mombasa.
- Accommodations: 100 rooms in total—63 standard, 35 deluxe, and 1 presidential suite—plus a 15-storey tower with 55 two- and three-bedroom apartments.
- Amenities: Express check-in, 24/7 bilingual reception, concierge services, on-site gift shop, three restaurants (Safina Snack, Fahari, Msafiri Coffee Shop), plus conference halls (Kikambala: 300 seats; Habari & Fahari: 50 each; Jambo: 30 seats) and even massage/wedding packages.
- Location Perks: Near Moi International Airport (35 km) and Vipingo Airstrip (10 km).
- Contacts: +254 702 222 888 / +254 733 644 555 | sunnsand.co.ke
Faras Cab-Hailing Service
When the city turns into a parking lot, Faras Cabs has you covered:
- Offerings: Up to 30% discounts, Faras Economy rides, electric and non-electric boda options.
- Perks: Earn 10% cashback via their FarasMiles program and use the in-app SOS button for added safety.
- Availability: Downloadable on Google Play or the App Store, or call 0111050550.
Salaam Microfinance Bank
“Securing the Future Together” isn’t just a slogan—it’s their mission:
- Products: Business & Personal Current Accounts accessible via branches, ATMs, mobile money, internet, and agency channels.
- Perks: Cheque books, free e-statements, multi-currency support (USD, EUR, GBP), friendly tariffs, and access to financing.
- Locations: Nairobi CBD at Park Plaza and Eastleigh at BBS Mall.
- Contacts: +254 710 544444, +254 717233333, +254 724 8888777; Helpline: +254 718 373737 | salaammfbank.co.ke
NEEMA Livestock and Slaughtering Investments Limited
Setting the bar for halal meat production in Kenya:
- Scope: Processor, supplier, and exporter of premium halal beef, goat (chevon), and lamb products.
- Operations: Daily slaughter capacity of 15,000 sheep/goats and 500 cattle; chilling/freezing for 12,000 heads/30 tonnes beef.
- Certifications: FSSC 22000 v.6, plus accreditations from the Kenya Bureau of Halal Certification, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, HCC, and RACS.
- Market Impact: 85% of products exported to the Middle East, with an online shop at neemalivestock.co.ke/shoptoorder.
- Contacts: P.O.Box 8267 – 00610, Eastleigh, Nairobi; Phones: +254 701 152944 / +254 707 529014; Emails: info@neemalivestock.ke, sales@neemalivestock.ke; Socials on TikTok, Instagram, X, Facebook.
Urban Point Banquet Hall
Perfect for those grand celebrations and corporate events:
- Locations: 3rd floor, Diamond Plaza 2 in Parklands, plus a branch at Urban Point Hotel in Eastleigh.
- Features: Ample, secure parking, free WiFi, capacity for up to 300 guests, AC, smart display monitors, and multi-cuisine dining.
- Contact: +254 714 722433
i-FLY AIR
Declared Best Domestic Airline of 2023, i-FLY AIR connects the region with style:
- Routes: Nairobi to Wajir (operates on Wed, Fri, Sun) and Nairobi to Mogadishu (operates on Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun).
- Special Package: A two-night round-trip package to Wajir with luxury stay at Home 008, showcasing local attractions and premium amenities.
- Contacts: 0111051990 / 0740 100100 / 0713 100100 | Socials: Facebook (FlyFlyAir), Instagram (@ifly_air), X (@i_FlyAir), YouTube; Websites: ifly.co.ke / i-mall.co.ke
Ocean View Haven by Rehan Properties
For those who dream of coastal living:
- Interview Insights: An apartment complex in Kikambala just a 2–3 minute walk from the beach (opposite North Post Beach Resort).
- Offerings: One-bedroom units (sold out), two-bedroom units for KES 6 million, and a three-bedroom penthouse for KES 13.5 million.
- Amenities: Gym, pool, lifts, and more; with flexible, zero-interest payment plans (20% deposit, balance over 5 years).
Changan Auto by Inchcape Kenya
Introducing the Changano 5 Star 5—a single-cab minitruck built for the hustle:
- Specs: Dimensions: 456 x 164.5 x 189 cm; 1-tonne payload; 1.2L Euro 4 engine (72 kW, 119 Nm); 5-speed manual (FWD); 14″ alloy wheels; 40L fuel tank; warranty: 3 years or 60,000 km.
- Features: Fog lights, sliding driver seat, audio system with AM/FM and AUX, heater/AC, and essential safety features.
Agriculture and Food Authority on Miraa
Regulating Kenya’s traditional crops with modern rigor:
- Products: Miraa, jaba, miraa juice, and pyrethrum.
- Innovation: Sampled an espresso shot of miraa juice—a concentrated, flavor-packed alternative to hours of chewing.
- Regulations: Strict stakeholder rights (courtesy, timely response, privacy, quality services, effective communication) and obligations (respect, precise info, honest feedback, adherence to regulations).
- Vision: To transform traditional crops into modern economic successes.
Rootz Jaba Juice
Value-adding to the miraa market, Rootz Jaba Juice offers an easily consumable alternative to traditional chewing:
- Insights from Rahul: Overconsumption may temporarily affect sperm count (reversible), so enjoy in moderation.
- Distribution: Sells directly to distributors and online liquor stores, calling for support in growing the industry.
FKC Legal (FK Cheluget Advocates)
The legal eagles of trade week—handling investment law, cross-border tax compliance, business registration, and dispute resolution with unmatched client care.
MaCaash Investments (Pronounced “Maash”)
Real estate redefined by MaCaash:
- Projects:
- Parklands & Kilimani Developments: Focus on duplexes and apartments.
- New Ventures: Projects in Voi, Lukenya, with flexible, zero-interest payment plans (20% deposit, balance over 2–5 years).
- Contacts: Farida Dahir at +254 743 686777, Ezekiel Karanja at +254 794 333111, general number +254 726 111333; located at 2nd Floor, Diamond Plaza 2; macaashinvestments.co.ke.
Masai Cables
Powering construction with quality cables and related services:
- Operations: Main factory in Isinya, depot in Embakassi, central office in Kitengela; also provides borehole drilling, pumps, and motors.
Day 2: The Trade Floor Extravaganza
Bloom Perfume & Kanzu Hub
- Bloom Perfume Vendors: Unleashing captivating scents that mix heritage with modern flair.
- Kanzu Hub: Bringing traditional Muslim attire to the forefront with a contemporary twist.
Real Estate Highlights Revisited
- Creek Suites: Premium real estate solutions that blend legacy with luxury.
- Sun n’ Sand Beach Resort: Reinforcing its iconic status with an expansive resort experience on Kikambala Beach.
- Willstone Homes – Windsor Ridge 3: Upscale bungalows with modern amenities in a gated community along Thika Road.
- MaCaash Investments: Innovative projects like New Voi and Sunpark Residence, redefining urban living.
Media & Information
- The East African Newspaper: The voice of the region, delivering insights and breaking news with unmatched authority.
Banking & Fintech on Display
- Dahabshill Group: Seamless integration of MPESA and international Mastercard solutions for secure transactions.
- Salaam Microfinance Bank: Empowering trade with accessible financial services and multi-currency support.
- Faras Cabs: Reinforcing urban mobility with discounts, cashback rewards, and reliable ride options.
Healthcare & Sharia-Compliant Financing
- Kenbright & ShariaCare: Merging ethical financing with immediate access to over 1,000 accredited healthcare providers, with service tiers from VIP to Standard and a 5% investment return on idle funds.
Food & Halal Meat Innovations
- Choice Meats: Delivering ethically sourced, halal-certified protein with an emphasis on humane animal treatment.
- NEEMA Livestock: Dominating the halal meat sector with a vast range of products, high production capacity, rigorous certifications, and an export focus on the Middle East.
Industrial & Construction Solutions
- Apex Steel: Offering ISO 9001:2015 certified steel products—from rebars to piping systems—built for durability and sustainability.
- AGL (Alternative Glasses Limited): Delivering cutting-edge aluminum, glass, and UPVC solutions that combine function with sleek design.
Global & Development Initiatives
- United Nations Somalia: Championing sustainable growth with the Jowgar Off-Stream Storage Program, in collaboration with FAO, UN Migration, UNEP, UN Habitat, UNIDO, and EU partners.
Airlines & Transportation Expanded
- i-FLY AIR: Connecting the region with flights from Nairobi to Wajir (Wed, Fri, Sun, ~KES 5,000) and to Mogadishu (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun, ~KES 8,000), plus a special luxury package to Wajir featuring a two-night stay at Home 008.
- Skyward Express: Offering routes from Nairobi to Mombasa (starting at KES 5,500—“Jet-set, no hassle, just Coastal bliss”) and Nairobi to Dar-es-Salaam (around KES 11,000—“Relax, unwind, explore Dar for memories that linger 5* weekly”), with an expanding network including Diani, Lamu, Kitale, Lodwar, Migori, and more, and even their own magazine “Angani” for travel inspo.
Agriculture & Food Regulation Revisited
- Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) – Industrial Crops Directorate: The backbone for regulating and promoting Kenya’s miraa, pyrethrum, and other industrial crops, ensuring stakeholder rights (courtesy, timely responses, quality services) and enforcing obligations (respect, precise info, adherence to regulations) to support traditional crops in the modern economy.
Day 3: The Grand Finale—Where Vision Met Action
High-Octane Panel Discussions
- Digital Trade & Fintech: Industry heavyweights dissected cutting-edge payment solutions, blockchain innovations, and digital wallets that are tearing down barriers to trade.
- Sustainable Growth: The focus was on green initiatives—from eco-friendly construction to ethical sourcing—proving that profit and planet can coexist.
- Public-Private Partnerships: A rallying cry for aligning government policies with private innovation to create a resilient cross-border trade ecosystem.
Strategic Announcements & Game-Changing Partnerships
- New Collaborations: Landmark deals and alliances were struck, uniting tech innovators, financial institutions, and logistics providers to drive the next wave of economic growth.
- Innovative Projects: From real estate ventures integrating mixed-use developments to fintech platforms with immediate, sharia-compliant healthcare financing, the announcements set the stage for a future of integrated progress.
- Sustainability Commitments: Many companies pledged to adopt greener practices, reinforcing the idea that responsible business is the only way forward.
The Wrap-Up Ceremony & Networking Extravaganza
- Awards & Recognitions: Industry leaders were celebrated for their trailblazing efforts, with awards that honored innovation, sustainability, and impactful collaborations.
- Inspirational Speeches: Visionary talks reminded everyone that the momentum built over the week is just the beginning—a call to action to keep bridging borders and breaking barriers.
- Unmatched Networking: The final hours were a whirlwind of connection, as entrepreneurs, investors, and policy-makers exchanged ideas, business cards, and plans for the future.
The Ripple Effect
Day 3 wasn’t just an ending—it was a launchpad. The discussions, partnerships, and deals forged are set to ripple out, driving a new era of cross-border trade between Somalia and Kenya.
The Big Picture
From the evocative scents of Bloom Perfume and the timeless threads at Kanzu Hub to the modern marvels in real estate, fintech, healthcare, and industrial solutions, the Somalia-Kenya Trade Week was a masterclass in blending tradition with innovation.
- Business, Culture, and Community: Every stall, every panel, every handshake was a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that unites us all.
- Cross-Border Collaboration: The event showcased that when Somalia and Kenya come together, the possibilities are limitless—from high-tech financial solutions to sustainable growth initiatives and beyond.
- Looking Ahead: With deals sealed, partnerships forged, and a wealth of ideas exchanged, the momentum is set to transform the economic landscape for years to come.
Final Thoughts
This trade week wasn’t just an event—it was an experience, a vibrant mosaic of culture, commerce, and community. Whether you were on the floor or catching up later, know that every detail, every innovation, and every bold idea is part of a larger story—a story of progress, unity, and a future where tradition meets innovation in the best possible way.
Peace, love, and unstoppable hustle—until the next wave, keep bridging borders and building the future!
That’s the complete scoop on Somalia-Kenya Trade Week. Every detail counts, every story inspires, and the journey has just begun.
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