The growing China economy has presented a host of business opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs. Today, Kenyans can import high-quality goods from China to Kenya and the cost of importing from China that is involved.
However, with the proliferation of counterfeit products in the Chinese markets, many entrepreneurs remain vague about how they can efficiently import affordable and high-quality products that will retain and grow their customer base.
This Saturday though, entrepreneurs and Kenyans looking to import from China have a golden chance to learn all about the processes of importing quality goods from China at affordable prices.
This chance comes in form of a forum dubbed ‘How to Import from China’ that will be held at the KEMU Towers along University, opposite the Anniversary towers starting at 9 am. Interestingly, the charges for the even have been kept at a low.
To attend, you will only be charged Sh. 500. If you have been importing from China or provide import services and would wish to exhibit your products or services, you will only pay Sh. 2,500.
You can pay via the M-Pesa Till Number 820 272. For more information, you may also call: 0735 537 001.
To highlight all the benefits you stand to reap from this forum, we sat down with Kanyi Wangui, who is organizing the forum:
What are some of the major challenges Kenyans importing or looking to import from China face?
There are numerous challenges that we shall address at the forum. The most dominant include finding and vetting a good supplier, sourcing for quality products, securely sending money to suppliers, poor knowledge on duty fees charged for importing goods, the licensed companies to use, and the cost of air and sea transport logistics.
What means of transport should one consider when importing?
There are several factors to consider when choosing whether to import your goods via sea or air freight such as cost, reliability, and speed. These are mainly dependent on how large or heavy the shipment is, and the duration an importer wants it in his hands.
For example, on reliability, Air Freight is considered a less intrusive mode of transport with a lower risk of damaging cargo when compared to Sea Freight transportation. Similarly, importing through air freight is faster as it only takes 3-5 days while importing by sea can take up to a month.
Why should Kenyans attend the event on July 7? What’s in store for them?
At this event, we shall provide a step by step guide on how to import goods from China and other countries. The training will be conducted by Sheila Kanagoi of Shop Kejani, an organization that helps individuals and organizations to source goods from all over the world.
She has vast experience in this field and has worked with some of the biggest logistics companies. We will cover areas such as ‘Where and How to find the best suppliers’, ‘How to negotiate and communicate with suppliers,’ ‘Buying goods online from websites such as Alibaba, Ebay or Amazon’, ‘Importing procedures’, ‘Dealing with factories’, ‘Find your products’, ‘How to inspect and ship your goods’, ‘Find out what legal import requirements your products needs to meet in Kenya,’ and so much more.
The event will also link SME’s with organizations that offer import services. We will have Family Bank who will present on the area of Import Duty Finance, Kenya Orient who will cover Marine Cargo Insurance, DHL who will tackle transport logistics, and Epic Business Tours will present on business travel to China and Thailand.
What are some of the most commonly imported goods from China?
They include:
- Furniture
- Clothes
- Interior décor items
- Electronics
- Toys
- Vehicles
- Beauty Products
- Construction materials
- Mobile Phones