- The expo offers a wide selection of over 10,000 products, equipment, and machinery
- It is East Africa's largest building and construction fair
Image: AGATHA NGOTHO
Image: AGATHA NGOTHO
Image: AGATHA NGOTHO
Kenya is hosting the 25th BuildExpo Africa 2024 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
The expo has brought together over 42 countries showcasing construction products, building material, mining machines, construction machinery, tools, hardware and heavy equipment.
It is East Africa's largest building and construction fair presenting the widest range of the latest products, equipment, machines and technology for the industry.
Dmitry Maksimychev, the Russian Ambassador to Kenya, told the Star that the 25th BuildExpo Africa 2024 showcases Kenya and Nairobi's economic influence and status as a major regional and continental hub.
“It is particularly heartening that this year, a representative group of Russian corporations and companies specialising in energy, especially decentralised energy solutions, construction materials, and water and sewerage solutions, have decided to participate in the exhibition to showcase their achievements in Kenya,” he said.
"I have visited their stands, and I must confess that I am impressed by the quality and technological level of the goods and services they are offering."
The Ambassador said Russian products meet the highest environmental and health standards and are competitive in the market.
Maksimychev noted that such direct interaction between Russian and Kenyan businesses is beneficial for the people of both countries and their sustainable development.
He encouraged Kenyan businesspeople to visit the Russian stands and discover the products and solutions offered.
This year, the Development Agency BRICS has been chosen to facilitate the participation of Moscow region companies. With over 11 years of experience, the agency has successfully implemented more than 230 projects in 40 countries.
Six companies from the Moscow region are participating in the expo, which is taking place from June 5-7. The event is supported by the Moscow region government.
The delegation includes representatives from both large and small enterprises, aiming to establish and develop B2B contacts between Moscow and African companies.
The Moscow Region Export Center encourages businesses to engage in export activities, helping enterprises enter foreign markets.
Among those at the event were Beavers Ilia Zaytsev, Technical Director at Beavers. The company specialises in woodworking, producing and supplying wooden building beams.
"The growth of construction in Africa is increasing every year, and our quality products can help," said Zaytsev.
"This is our first visit to East Africa, and we hope to establish more partnerships in the future."
He said their H20 beams meet world standards, use high-quality materials, and can withstand heavy loads.
Image: AGATHA NGOTHO
Another exhibitor, Adnen Belkhiriia of RTP Moscow, shared that they manufacture pipes and fittings for heating, water supply, and sewerage systems.
With a presence in Russia and Eastern Europe, RTP operates five factories and produces over 2,500 products, with an annual turnover of around $70 million.
"RTP's product portfolio includes a wide range of solutions, such as PPR pipes and fittings, indoor and outdoor polypropylene sewerage systems, and more," he said.
The company exports its products via truck and sea container shipping to various regions, including Africa. RTP provides a 10-year warranty on all its products and is certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.
RTP is also showcasing Sanfix, an anaerobic sealant for sealing metal threaded connections.
Belkhiriia explained that the sealant ensures tight seals in pipelines carrying water, gas, oils, and petroleum products, providing additional protection against corrosion.
"Sanfix replaces flax fibers and foam tapes, increasing resistance to vibration and withstanding increased pressure," he said.
ORIO Group, a leading Russian manufacturer of high-quality sanitary equipment for sewerage and water supply, is also participating.
Alexander Volkov, Head of Marketing, expressed their intention to introduce their products to the Kenyan market
"We are looking forward to having a partnership with this growing part of the world," Volkov said.
Denis Menshakov, Commercial Director at Valdex Energetica LLC highlighted their experience in implementing turnkey distributed generation projects.
The company provides technologies that save on electricity and heat, and designed the OMEGA 100 power plant to provide electric and thermal energy to consumers.
"The Buildexpo Africa 2024 helped us find like-minded people and potential partners in the field of engineering and power generation," said Menshakov.
Other participants include NPO Iatec, manufacturers of small communal equipment for municipalities and landscapers, Antraks, a large manufacturer of equipment for monitoring electrical networks, expanding into the Kenyan market.
The Buildexpo Africa 2024 serves as a platform for these companies to showcase their innovative products and forge new business relationships in Africa.