The much-anticipated Minat Cake Festival Second Edition, hosted by renowned Mombasa-award-winning baker Amina Khalid, took place over the weekend in a spectacular celebration of creativity, community, and entrepreneurship. 

The annual event was held at Amwaj Hall in Tudor  and brought together a vibrant crowd of over 400 people, including prominent business leaders, influencers, and local dignitaries. 

The festival featured a host of engaging activities, including cake competitions, a student graduation ceremony, and rounds of cake eating. 

Guests were treated to an array of delicious cakes prepared by Minat Bakery, with each participant leaving with a box of cake to enjoy.

The highlight of the event was the graduation of students who had completed their cake-baking courses under the guidance of Minat Bakery at Minat Cake Zone Academy. 

Amina Khalid, the CEO of Minat Bakery, celebrated the accomplishments of the students, emphasizing the importance of skill development and education in the food industry.  

Notable figures in attendance included Eastern Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Suleiman Shahbal and his wife Rahma, alongside several influential personalities from the Mombasa business and influencer communities.

Other distinguished guests included Aboud Jamal, Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa, and Fathiya Nordeen, Regional Manager at Absa Bank. 

The festival’s success was made possible through the support of key sponsors including Mombasa Maize Millers, Absa Bank, Trufoods, KNCCI, Swahili Pot Hub, and Dairyland.

These sponsors play a crucial role in supporting small businesses and promoting economic growth within the region.

In her remarks, Amina Khalid encouraged attendees to continue building their networks, stressing the importance of entrepreneurship in shaping the future of local economies.

"This event serves not only as a celebration of cake-making but also as a platform for small businesses to connect, collaborate, and create their own opportunities," said Khalid. 

Business leaders also took the stage, urging small businesses to leverage networking opportunities and invest in their growth.

"Networking is key to the success of small businesses," said Aboud Jamal, Chairman of KNCCI. "By building connections, you can unlock opportunities and ensure sustained growth."

The Minat Cake Festival Second Edition proved to be a resounding success, bringing the community together in celebration of talent, entrepreneurship, and the rich culture of Mombasa’s bakery industry. With a bigger turnout than expected, the festival’s growth over the years is a testament to the expanding role of the region’s food sector in fostering local business development.