Remedies Agency Steps Up Industry Outreach at BIZLINK Trade Expo 2026 in Eldoret
The Kenya Trade Remedies Agency (KETRA) has stepped up its Public Outreach initiatives to enhance awareness of Trade Remedies Measures among industry players to foster a level playing field across different value chains.
Speaking on behalf of the Agency's CEO at the BIZLINK Trade Expo in Eldoret, Mr. Erick Nabwana Ludasia, KETRA's Director of Trade Remedies Complaints Management, urged manufacturers and producers to promptly report alleged unfair import trade practices. He noted that timely complaints enable the Agency to investigate and take appropriate action to protect domestic industries from unfair import Trade Practices.
"KETRA's doors are always open to Kenyan Manufacturers seeking guidance on Trade Remedies Measures. If you believe your business has been adversely affected by unfair import trade practices, we encourage you to engage with us through our official communication channels or by visiting our offices on the 2nd Floor of KIBT Plaza along Ojijo Road in Parklands.” He said.
Mr. Nabwana further emphasized that the Agency is committed to protecting Kenya's producers and manufacturers while creating a fair playing field between domestic and international manufacturers. This will ensure domestic producers support our export growth, strengthen Kenya’s foreign exchange earnings, and create jobs for Kenyan people.
The Expo comes at a time when Kenyan industries are navigating an increasingly competitive global trading environment characterized by an increase in negotiated trade agreements to open up markets and by the adoption of protectionist measures by countries to protect their local industries.
In addition, the changing geopolitical and geo-economic interests in the global arena, evolving supply chains, and shifting market dynamics are making trade remedies an essential policy instrument to protect and support the manufacturing sector in realizing sustainable economic growth.
Against this backdrop, Uasin Gishu County continues to strengthen its position as one of Kenya's leading economic hubs. Widely recognized as the country's agricultural heartland, the county is also home to a growing manufacturing sector, including textile manufacturers such as Rivatex East Africa Limited and Ken-Knit Kenya Limited. As a centre of agricultural production and industrial activity, the county provides a strategic platform for advancing dialogue on Trade Remedies Measures and promoting a fair and competitive economic environment.
However, despite the significant role that these two industries have played in driving the national as well as the county's economy, they have in recent years faced stiff competition from imported products that have affected their performance, underscoring the importance of mechanisms such as Trade Remedies in ensuring fair import competition for domestic manufacturers.
Speaking in a panel discussion at the event, the County Ag. Director of Investment and Industrialization, Ms. Brenda Rono, noted that the county remains committed to creating an enabling business environment by working closely with national institutions to protect local enterprises from unfair import trade practices and promote sustainable industrial growth.
She further noted that ongoing investments in value addition, particularly in the dairy sector, will create new opportunities for farmers and strengthen local manufacturing.
"The County Aggregation and Industrial Parks present an opportunity for farmers not only to aggregate their produce but also to undertake value addition. It is good to report that the National Government, through the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, has supported us in the dairy value chain,” she said.
As counties continue to invest in industrialization and value addition, KETRA's responsibility to protect these investments from unfair import competition is essential. This can be accomplished by fostering sustained stakeholder engagement to encourage businesses to understand and utilize Kenya's Trade Remedies framework whenever they encounter unfair import trade practices.
By bringing Trade Remedies information closer to businesses and communities across the country, the Agency seeks to ensure that stakeholders understand their rights and the mechanisms available to address unfair Import trade practices that may jeopardize their existence.