The Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK) successfully hosted its Chair’s Power Breakfast at Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi, bringing together senior government officials, business executives, policymakers and marketing leaders for a high-level conversation on the role of marketing in driving Kenya’s economic growth.

Held under the theme “Marketing as a Catalyst for Trade and Economic Development,” the breakfast explored how strategic marketing can strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness, unlock new export opportunities and position the country as a preferred destination for trade and investment in an increasingly dynamic global marketplace.

Government calls for stronger collaboration

Delivering the keynote address, Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam called for stronger collaboration between government and marketing professionals, emphasizing that marketing should be embedded more deliberately into Kenya’s trade and economic agenda.

Speaking on “Marketing: The Catalyst for Trade for Kenya and Africa – The Role of Marketing in Enhancing Kenya’s Trade in the Disrupted Global Trade Environment,” Ombam noted that marketing is no longer a support function but a strategic driver of exports, investment attraction and national competitiveness.

She challenged both the public and private sectors to work together in positioning Kenya’s products, businesses and investment opportunities more effectively in regional and international markets.

The keynote was followed by an engaging question-and-answer session, where participants discussed how marketing can contribute more meaningfully to government trade initiatives, expand Kenyan businesses beyond borders and create a stronger national brand.

Industry leaders share insights on marketing and growth

The breakfast also featured a panel discussion titled “The Strategic Power of Marketing in Catalyzing Trade,” bringing together leading marketing professionals to share practical insights on how marketing is shaping business growth and economic transformation.

The panel featured:

1. Mark Kaigwa, CEO and Founder of Nendo.
2. Ann Joy Michira, Group Marketing and Innovation Director, East African Breweries Limited (EABL).
3. Maureen Mambo, Director, Nation Brand Marketing and Communications, Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA).

Drawing from their leadership journeys and industry experience, the panelists explored the impact of digital transformation, innovation, data-driven marketing and authentic storytelling in helping Kenyan brands compete regionally and globally.

They also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector and marketing professionals in building globally competitive businesses and strengthening Kenya’s economic position.

Branding Kenya’s story

Speaking during the breakfast, MSK Chairperson and Belva Digital CEO Sarah Katusia called for stronger branding and storytelling to unlock greater value for Kenyan products.

“When we fail to brand Kenyan products, we surrender their premium value to international competitors. As marketers, our job isn’t just to move products—we must build world-class brands through authentic storytelling so Kenyan products can command the premium prices they deserve while creating greater value for our local farmers,” she said.

Her remarks underscored the critical role marketers play in transforming Kenya’s products into globally recognized brands that create lasting economic value.

Advancing the marketing profession

The Chair’s Power Breakfast forms part of MSK’s thought leadership agenda, creating a platform where leaders from government, business and academia engage in conversations that shape the future of marketing and its contribution to Kenya’s national development.

The discussions reaffirmed the importance of strategic marketing in driving trade, strengthening national branding, fostering innovation and positioning Kenya for sustainable economic growth.

Read more

The MSK Chair’s Power Breakfast received extensive coverage across Kenya’s leading media houses. To explore more perspectives from the event, read the full stories from:

1. TV47 Digital: https://www.tv47.digital/ps-ombam-calls-for-stronger-govt-marketing-partnership-to-boost-kenyas-trade-156098/
2. Citizen Digital:https://citizen.digital/article/trade-ps-ombam-calls-for-stronger-marketing-partnerships-to-attract-investment-n386500
3. The Standard: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/business/article/2001552921/ombam-kenya-cannot-grow-exports-without-marketers
4. The Star: https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/nairobi/2026-07-15-marketing-leaders-call-for-greater-role-in-kenyas-trade-agenda
5. Capital FM: https://capitalfm.africa/marketing-leaders-push-for-bigger-role-in-kenyas-trade-agenda/

We thank our media partners for amplifying the conversations from the MSK Chair’s Power Breakfast and helping spotlight the role of marketing in shaping Kenya’s trade and economic future.