NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 5 – Kenyan manufacturers risk losing their competitive edge in global markets unless they adopt modern packaging standards, industry leaders have warned.
Speaking at the 10th Propak East Africa Expo held at the Sarit Expo Centre, experts said embracing world-class packaging systems is critical to strengthening Kenya’s trade ambitions and consumer confidence.
Matthew Kipchumba, Director at the State Department of Trade, said modern packaging must be embedded in national trade strategies to ensure Kenyan products meet global standards.
“By embedding world-class packaging systems into our national trade strategies, Kenya and the East African region secure not only compliance, but dignity for our producers, confidence for our consumers, and a future where every product can stand tall on any global shelf,” he said.
The call comes as East Africa’s packaging industry expands rapidly, driven by growth in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), urbanisation, and increased regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Angela Kinyua, Managing Director of Montgomery Group East Africa, said collaboration among manufacturers, suppliers and regulators will be key to advancing the sector.
“As we celebrate a decade of progress, we look forward to another decade and beyond of strategic partnership with manufacturing and packaging companies across Africa, continuing to strengthen the voice and global standing of the East African packaging sector,” she said.
Industry leaders emphasised the need for coordination between regulators, manufacturers and technology providers to drive innovation while meeting sustainability and regulatory requirements.
Joseph Nyongesa, CEO of the Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya, said the focus should be on creating packaging systems that protect the environment while supporting long-term trade competitiveness.
The three-day exhibition has attracted more than 5,000 participants from over 35 countries, including manufacturers, suppliers, policymakers and technology providers across packaging, printing, plastics and processing sectors.
Now in its 10th year, Propak East Africa has grown into a leading regional platform for showcasing packaging and processing innovations and linking local manufacturers with global technology providers.
The expo runs until March 5 and is expected to spur partnerships, technology adoption and knowledge exchange across food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and consumer goods industries.
