Farmers across the country have been challenged to embrace value addition in order to reduce post-harvest losses.

Speaking in Nairobi during the opening of the 9th AgroFood PlastPack Exhibition, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Nairobi Chapter’s Christine Mwende noted that postharvest losses this year cost KSh 150 billion.

She said in an effort to reduce the losses, they are also giving farmers processors.

Mwende said the expo will further give farmers, processors, and packaging companies access to cutting-edge technologies to boost productivity, reduce losses, and expand exports.

“Competition is the lifeline of entrepreneurship; it pushes us to innovate and keeps businesses alive,” she stressed, encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace competition rather than fear it.

The three-day exhibition attracted 200 exhibitors from 20 countries, alongside over 10,000 trade visitors, including farmers, processors, manufacturers, technology suppliers, distributors, retailers, investors, and government agencies.

Expo seeks to provide a platform for innovation, knowledge sharing, and commercial relationships that can transform agriculture and food processing sectors to ink partnerships and borrow international industry best practices to advance Kenya’s manufacturing capabilities.

This year saw the expo, with the UAE pavilion comprising 10 SMEs with different products organised by the Khalifa Fund For Enterprise Development.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Mr Raj Kumar, Vice President of Projects at Parason Machinery, emphasised the critical role of innovation, collaboration, and technology in shaping Africa’s industrial future.

“This event is about more than showcasing products; it is about building connections that will shape industries across Africa for years to come,” he said.

Elvis Mboya, President of the Namibia-Kenya Chamber of Commerce, underscored the exhibition’s role in enhancing intra-African trade. He described it as “a marketplace of solutions and a hub for governments, entrepreneurs, and investors to collaborate.”

“Our partnerships are not conveniences; they are commitments to a shared future,” he declared, noting that hosting in Namibia will deepen Africa’s integration in trade and industry.

On his part, Mr Joseph Nyongesa, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya, highlighted the role of packaging in unlocking Kenya’s potential in global markets. He noted that poor packaging standards have prevented many businesses from competing internationally.

“Packaging today is not just about wrapping a product; it is about value creation, competitiveness, and sustainability,” he said.

Nyongesa lamented that Kenya’s tea and coffee are often re-exported by other countries under foreign brands, denying the country global recognition and value. He called for investment in sustainable packaging solutions, balanced trade with partners like China, and stronger local branding.

With estimates ranging from 20% to 40% of harvested crops lost each year, post-harvest losses are a serious issue in Kenya.

According to one research, losses of up to Ksh 72 billion a year result from these losses, which entail significant financial consequences.

Poor handling, insufficient storage, and restricted market accessibility are some of the factors causing these losses.

The AgroFood PlastPack Exhibition runs until 23 August, offering crucial opportunities for networking, partnerships, and knowledge exchange that could shape the future of Kenya’s industrial and entrepreneurial growth.