Kenya’s printing and recorded‑media output rose by 2.3% in 2025, showing that the sector remains active even as firms increase digital communication.

Industry leaders say print is no longer a static medium; its relevance now hinges on delivering precise, measurable business outcomes such as faster launches, personalised campaigns and reduced stock waste.

The 2026 International Print Day theme, #PrintWorks, reflects this shift toward producing the right volume for the right audience at the right time, rather than sheer volume alone.

At the recent 11th Print Pack Sign Expo in Nairobi, Canon highlighted a range of equipment—from high‑volume presses to large‑format inkjets—to illustrate that no single technology fits every printer’s needs.

Print businesses are being asked practical questions about taking on more demanding jobs, reducing manual intervention, maintaining colour consistency and securing post‑sale support, underscoring the importance of strong local partnerships.

Canon advises printers to plan investments based on the work they aim to win in three years, mapping applications, turnaround expectations, required skills and margin potential rather than focusing solely on pages‑per‑minute specs.

Automation, workflow optimisation and AI are seen as ways to improve profitability by reducing pre‑press errors, downtime and manual adjustments, turning more of each sheet into billable, high‑quality output.

Service, training and local technical support are now considered core components of any equipment purchase, as they give printers confidence to accept complex jobs and maintain uptime in increasingly automated environments.

Looking ahead, Canon outlines three shifts for Kenya’s print sector: more targeted, application‑led output; greater connectivity and data‑driven automation; and moving up the value chain by bundling design, personalisation and fulfilment services.

Canon’s role will be to provide a portfolio that spans production presses, large‑format solutions and workflow platforms, backed by local partners who can deliver consultation, implementation and ongoing support throughout a printer’s growth journey.