EAST AFRICAN TRADE FAIR EXHIBITION 2021

The Ruben Centre in Nairobi has always focused on empowering the people of Mukuru. Part of this effort has been in training people in the production of highly marketable artefacts. Every year, the Ruben Centre has participated in the annual Nairobi Trade Fair where these products are showcased except for 2020. This year with the Covid-19 pandemic eased, the trade fair expanded to be the East African Confederation of Micro and Small Enterprises Organizations (CMSEO).

The Ruben Centre sent two representatives to Mwanza, Tanzania for a trade exhibition there. The duo, Margaret Kariuki & Gregory Barake, finished a 10-day exhibition on Monday the 13th. They ferried a variety of products such as shoulder shawls, vikois, African shirts and table mats. Each East African nation was present as well. The countries present included: Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, Kenya and the host nation Tanzania all of them with their representatives. Despite there being similar products to those of the Ruben Centre, the real hallmark of success was the quality of each item. Ruben Centre's attention to detail and ingenious creativity brought even people from Kenya to its stand to applaud! For this Ruben Centre was recognized by East Africa Community and in a limited judgement, the organization garnered a score of 55 out of a possible 80. We were honored to be recognized out of quite a number of organizations.

With over 90% of the goods sold and lots of contact information shared, the Ruben Centre truly left an impact felt all around The East African Community. We look forward to new opportunities to market and showcase our products as a channel of income to go a long way in catering for the needs of the young people who work tirelessly within the production and training department to ensure they can improve their livelihoods, to continue striving to fulfill our mission of an empowered & just Mukuru community.

Click the link below to watch a brief video on the essence of the trade fair https://fb.watch/9IrfPpYCOc/

By: GB

Edits: Nicholas Makau