Kenya to Host Major Halal Business Expo

Kenya is preparing to host its second annual Sharia Compliance and Halal Business Expo from October 10 to 12, 2025, at the BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi. The three-day event, themed “Empowering Ethical Enterprise for a Sustainable Future,” aims to showcase companies from diverse sectors, including Islamic finance, agribusiness, tourism, real estate, fashion, and technology.

Organised by TJ Premier Events in collaboration with the Sharia Compliance and Halal Business Expo Secretariat, the expo seeks to foster ethical business practices and create new opportunities for enterprises across Kenya and the wider East African region. Over 100 exhibitors from Kenya, East Africa, the Middle East, and Asia are expected to participate, with an anticipated attendance of more than 3,000 visitors.

Context of the Halal Economy in Kenya

The global halal economy is a rapidly expanding sector, with a value estimated in the trillions of dollars, encompassing food, finance, fashion, and tourism. Kenya is strategically positioning itself to become a significant player in this market, driven by a rising Muslim population and increasing demand for ethical, Sharia-compliant goods and services.

Halal principles extend beyond food to include logistics, cosmetics, fashion, and finance, all adhering to ethical compliance and, in finance, zero-interest principles. This broader understanding of halal is a key focus of the expo, as highlighted by Ridwan Yusuf, CEO of the Sharia Compliance and Halal Business Expo.

Law and Policy Supporting Sharia Compliance

Kenya's financial sector has seen a growing integration of Sharia-compliant financing options. Institutions like Absa Bank Kenya offer Islamic mortgage solutions that comply with principles prohibiting interest, structured instead around shared ownership, profit-sharing, and leasing arrangements. Similarly, the National Bank of Kenya provides Sharia-compliant personal and business loans, including unsecured personal financing and asset finance. Gulf African Bank is also a prominent Islamic bank in Kenya, offering ethical and fair banking services. These developments indicate a supportive environment for Sharia-compliant financial products and services in the country.

Stakeholder Engagement and Objectives

The expo provides a dynamic platform for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to connect with large corporates, investors, and regional partners. Josephat Nyongesa, a director at TJ Premier Events, emphasised that the expo's goal is to empower enterprises and promote ethical business conduct, noting that it is open to all entrepreneurs interested in ethical and sustainable business models, not exclusively the Muslim community.

Ridwan Yusuf further stated that the expo aims to bring together business investors and the community to explore opportunities in halal trade and innovations. The event will also feature an SME section dedicated to small businesses seeking exposure and partnerships.

Evidence and Data

• The second edition of the expo will take place from October 10 to 12, 2025, at BBS Mall in Nairobi.
• Over 100 exhibitors from seven countries (Kenya, East Africa, Middle East, and Asia) are expected.
• More than 3,000 visitors are anticipated over the three days.
• The global halal food market is projected to surpass $2 trillion worldwide by 2028.
• Kenya's halal food market is expected to see significant growth, with a projected rate of 11.46% in 2027.
• The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has urged Kenyan businesses to tap into the global halal market, valued at an estimated $7 trillion.

Risks and Implications

While the halal market in Kenya is flourishing, challenges remain, particularly in maintaining rigorous certification standards to ensure authenticity and consumer trust. Concerns about mislabeling products as halal without proper oversight exist. Industry experts suggest that continued consumer education and strict regulatory frameworks are crucial to address these issues.

What to Watch

The expo's success will be measured by its ability to facilitate concrete business partnerships and investments, particularly for SMEs. The development of streamlined halal certification processes and robust regulatory oversight will be key to sustaining growth and trust in Kenya's halal market. The event's impact on positioning Kenya as a regional hub for ethical enterprise and innovation within the halal economy will also be closely watched.

Related

Kenya's proactive engagement in the halal economy aligns with broader efforts to attract a diverse range of international travelers and investors, leveraging its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty within halal-compliant frameworks.