Cultural nights bring out the best of Kenyan heritage through song, dance and cuisine. Maambura Ja Meru delivered on all fronts last Saturday at Safari Park Hotel, with guests wining and dining and enjoying Ameru music late into the night.

Away from the pomp and colour, traders with links to the Meru or the hotel displayed various goods in the exhibition stands. They discussed what makes them tick and the business environment amid drought and war in the Middle East.

PREMIER AMERU TEA

Kionyo Tea Factory in Abogeta ward, Meru county, serves as a strong economic pillar for the local community. Chairman Mbae Ndereba, vice chairman Gitonga Mutuemeri and production manager Peter Ngaruiya showcased the factory's offerings at the exhibition.

Although farmers have cultivated the crop since 1963, the factory was established in 2003 after separating from Imenti Tea Factory. Situated on the eastern slopes of Mt Kenya, the medium-scale facility processes about 28 million kilos of green leaf annually, generating a turnover exceeding Sh2 billion.

The factory produces both orthodox and CTC (Crush, Tear and Curl) teas, with a strong focus on value addition to deliver finished products directly to consumers rather than selling raw leaf.

“In terms of the product, we believe we are the best in the country,” Ndereba said, highlighting the unique combination of visual appeal and aroma that sets their produce apart.

The factory's location provides ideal ecological conditions, rich soils and natural mineral springs that enhance the tea's profile. "Kionyo means salt lick," Ndereba said, adding that these local springs give their tea a prominent taste.

Global economic dynamics and geopolitical conflicts have prompted the company to pivot away from relying solely on auction sales.

“The future of tea is bright, as long as we don’t stick to the old way of taking our products out of the country for others to go and make money,” Mutuemeri said.

To overcome international trade disruptions, Kionyo Tea Factory recently introduced orthodox tea aimed at Asian and Far Eastern markets, while expanding its presence across North and West Africa, Europe and the domestic Kenyan market.

QUALITY HALAL MEATS

At another stand, KenMeat Limited showcased its range of processed meats and prime cuts. Operating from the Athi River EPZ in Machakos county for seven years, the meat processing and export firm operates both export processing zone and local trade divisions.

Regina Kevogo, head of HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant and Catering) and general trade, said the facility slaughters 1,000 goats and 1,000 lambs daily for export markets, such as Qatar and the UAE, alongside servicing local hotel chains, schools, supermarkets and trade vendors.

To safeguard supply chains against drought, the firm proactively managed its operations.

“We’ve been affected, but we had already done mitigation measures to anticipate this,” Kevogo said. Contracting farmers to maintain animal stock ensured consistent supply for clients, she said.

As a certified halal facility, the company continues its push to expand local market visibility and build brand recognition across Kenya.

“The way we are preparing our products is good. The halal means a lot, the process. This would give you satisfaction, it’s out of this world,” Kevogo said.

HOSPITALITY INNOVATION

Rosakind East Africa, a Meru-owned manufacturing and distribution enterprise, presented its Rosapharm range of healthcare, hygiene and chemical products.

Marketing representative Amos Mwirigi and colleague Isaac Mwenda highlighted Moto Sawa gel, an ethanol-based product designed for food warming, cooking and lighting firewood or charcoal without producing soot or smoke.

Distributed nationwide across major supermarket chains, the gel also serves as an indoor heating solution.

The eco-friendly gel offers a convenient alternative for both hospitality businesses and domestic households across the region.

“It’s a unique product of its kind; we are the pioneers of this in East and Central Africa,” Mwirigi said.

Other exhibitors at the event included Chuka University, Yetu Sacco, Broad Vision and New KPCU.

Other partners were Meru Central Dairy Co-operative Union Ltd, Global Digital Centre, County Guards Limited, Amonex Exhibitions, Samumwa Limited, Tharaka University, Farmer’s Choice and Aligen.

Maambura Ja Meru will return for its fifth edition at Safari Park Hotel next year.

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Tom Jalio is the features editor of the Star and producer of the Jalio Tales YouTube channel