Small business & global shipping advice from DHL Express

Mashujaa Day is fast approaching set for 20th October, a momentous occasion when Kenyans come together to honour the heroes and heroines who fought for our independence. For retailers, this national holiday signals the start of a bustling final quarter, brimming with sales opportunities.

The exhibition buzz is over. You’re back in Nairobi, clutching a stack of business cards, scrolling through a phone packed with photos, and riding that familiar mix of tiredness and hope that comes after three days of non-stop networking. Your booth looked sharp. Visitors showed genuine interest. You had real conversations about potential orders.

Kenyan shoppers are evolving fast. With Q4 on the horizon bringing Black Friday deals, Christmas shopping sprees, and a surge in online activity two product categories are stealing the spotlight: beauty and electronics.

Kenyan entrepreneurs are stepping up, eyeing markets beyond our borders both across Africa and worldwide. But here’s the catch: the biggest hurdle isn’t finding buyers abroad, it’s navigating the export paperwork maze. One missing form or license can cause costly delays, fines, or even seized shipments.