The Rwandan High Commission in Kenya, on Tuesday, held a unique marketing event to showcase Rwandan products to a select group prominent Kenyan business executives, envoys accredited to Rwanda (resident in Nairobi) and friends of Rwanda.

The Rwandan High Commissioner, William Kayonga, said that the event was key to attracting markets outside Rwanda.

"As we expand capacities at home, the local market alone will not be sufficient for our products so export markets are very important and one way of attracting demand through export markets is through events like these,” Kayonga said.

Yamina Karatanyi, the deputy head of mission, who is also in charge trade and investment at the High Commission, explained that a small group was invited because it is easier when it comes to follow up.

"After this event, I can meet each individual within a month’s time,” she said.

"We always focus on bigger projects like the railway and airport, which are important; but these are SMEs. This is what’s going to help the economy grow.”

The invited guests also heard about the BRALIRWA IPO, during a presentation by Patrick Mweheire, the CEO of Renaissance Capital, Kenya, one of the transaction advisors for the IPO.

"It is always a good thing to tell the Rwandan story – it is important to reach out not only to investors but also other partners – to get the story out there. I think we need more and more of these events and, it’s been quite useful to me,” Mweheire said.

Martin Oduor-Otieno, the CEO of Kenya Commercial Bank also said the event "was very important in terms of the Rwanda, Kenya and indeed, East Africa trade activities.”
Various products were on display, including diary, coffee and a variety of soft beverages from Inyange Industries.

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