(NAIROBI, KENYA) – Kenya’s fashion sector is moving to tap into China’s manufacturing, technology and e-commerce systems to grow local production and build brands that can compete in regional and international markets.
This push took centre stage at the third edition of the East Africa (Kenya) Fashion Life Show held at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi. The event brought together manufacturers, designers, retailers, distributors, importers, exporters and professional buyers.
The three day exhibition ran from 13th to 15th August and attracted nearly 120 companies. Almost 100 Chinese exhibitors and about 20 Kenyan businesses took part.
The show turned Nairobi into a marketplace for textiles and apparel, footwear, fashion accessories, watches and clocks, beauty products, home and lifestyle goods, appliances, electronics, lighting and packaging solutions.
For Kenya’s fashion industry, the bigger goal is not simply importing finished products from China. The aim is to use China’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem to build local production capacity and develop internationally competitive Kenyan brands.
Afripeak Expo Kenya managing director Gao Wei said the growing exhibition reflected strong demand for direct engagement between African businesses and international manufacturers.
“The growth of the fashion life show reflects a clear demand from businesses for direct and meaningful engagement with manufacturers, suppliers and buyers,” Wei said.
He said organisers hoped the discussions would lead to sourcing agreements, distribution partnerships, investment and wider commercial cooperation.
The exhibition is also connecting Kenyan designers and fashion institutions with Chinese suppliers of fabrics, accessories, garment production equipment and other inputs.
Such partnerships could help local designers move from small scale production into larger commercial operations while keeping distinctive African designs.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry national director Ken Onditi said deeper engagement with Chinese businesses could give Kenyan enterprises access to technology, production expertise, investment and international markets.
“Kenyan fashion industry players should look beyond sourcing finished products and tap into China’s rich fashion ecosystem through technology transfer, manufacturing partnerships, design collaboration and access to international markets,” Onditi said.
He said such partnerships could help enterprises move up the value chain, strengthen local production and build globally competitive Kenyan brands.
The scale of China’s fashion manufacturing industry shows the potential Kenya could tap into.
China exported clothing and apparel accessories worth $151.18 billion (KES 19.5 trillion / £118.6 billion) in 2025, holding its position as one of the world’s major fashion manufacturing centres.
Kenya does not need to copy the Chinese model. Industry players can selectively adopt production technologies, manufacturing systems, digital commerce and supply chain models while combining them with Kenyan creativity, cultural identity and access to the African market.
The challenge remains moving beyond cut, make and trim operations towards greater local value addition in areas such as fabric production, design, branding, accessories, packaging, digital retail and distribution, according to industry experts.
KNCCI president Erick Rutto said the exhibition offered Kenyan enterprises an opportunity to showcase their products, establish international connections and identify new markets.
“The fashion life show creates a valuable meeting point for Kenyan enterprises and international buyers, manufacturers, distributors and investors,” Rutto said.
He urged businesses in textiles, apparel, fashion, cosmetics, home décor and consumer goods to use the platform to establish international relationships and explore opportunities for exports and expansion.
A key feature of the exhibition was a buyer supplier matchmaking programme connecting Chinese manufacturers with Kenyan and regional importers, distributors, retailers and professional buyers.
The sessions focused on watches and clocks, home appliances and consumer electronics. Discussions covered sourcing, pricing, distribution, market access and long term partnerships.
Wei said Chinese firms could provide machinery, fabrics, production technologies and supply chain expertise. Kenyan companies could contribute local design, market knowledge and access to Africa’s growing consumer market.
With Africa’s population, urbanisation and middle class expanding, Kenya is also well placed as a gateway into the East African Community and the wider African Continental Free Trade Area.
Onditi said capturing part of China’s manufacturing expertise while strengthening Kenya’s creative identity could help transform the sector.
“If local designers, manufacturers and policymakers can capture even part of that expertise while strengthening Kenya’s own creative identity, the country could move closer to building a fashion industry that creates jobs at home, serves the African market and produces brands capable of competing on the global stage,” he said.