Monday, 25 May 2026
A model presents a creation during the second edition of East Africa (Kenya) Fashion Life Show in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
East Africa fashion life show opens in Nairobi
NAIROBI — The East Africa (Kenya) Fashion Life Show made its return for a second edition on Friday in Nairobi, drawing more than 70 exhibitors from both Kenya and China, according to Xinhua.
Chinese companies are showcasing a diverse range of products at the three-day expo—from textiles and packaging materials to baby toys, personal care items, wigs, home decor, and gift wraps.
Leading a notable Chinese delegation, Yin Maolin, Party chief of Mudan District in Heze City, Shandong Province, attended the event, which spotlights East Africa’s potential as a thriving center for fashion, sustainable textiles, and apparel.
Yin highlighted the event as a valuable opportunity to deepen economic collaboration between China and Kenya, particularly by fostering the trade of high-quality manufactured goods and creating seamless supply chains.
Pius Rotich, general manager for investment promotion at the Kenya Investment Authority, noted that the Kenyan government has established favorable policies and regulations to drive growth in the textile and apparel industry.
Rotich emphasized Kenya’s commitment to partnering with Chinese investors to produce top-quality leather goods for export across Africa and beyond, thereby boosting foreign exchange earnings and creating jobs.
Gao Wei, managing director of Afripeak Expo Kenya Ltd. and co-organizer of the 2025 East African Fashion Show, remarked that this year’s event has expanded with more exhibitors and visitors, reflecting the dynamic growth of the region’s textile and apparel industries.
Running under the theme “Inspire Friendship, Connect World,” the expo brings together Chinese and Kenyan businesses specializing in household goods, cosmetics, and electronics.
Gao added that the event offers a valuable networking platform for Chinese and Kenyan business leaders to discuss mutual opportunities, especially in the leather goods sector.
Hundreds of Kenyan attendees flocked to the expo, with many expressing admiration for Chinese-made products such as wigs, cosmetics, and fabrics.
Entrepreneur Waceke Mwaura praised the high quality of wigs featured by Chinese exhibitors, noting their popularity among local consumers.
Mwaura, who imports hair products from China for distribution to local retailers and salons, expressed her interest in forming direct partnerships with Chinese manufacturers.
Pedicurist Paul Munyua, who attended the expo to explore affordable and innovative beauty products from China, remarked on the accessibility of these offerings for his clientele.