The government has reiterated its commitment towards boosting the country’s manufacturing sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 7.6 percent to 50 percent.
Investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the government intends to achieve the GDP growth through the establishment of agro-processing and value-added cotton industries in various counties, which will foster regional economic development and job creation.
Mvurya was speaking during the opening of the 7th Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival and 2nd Kenya Industrialization Conference held at Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
Changamka Festival aims to highlight Kenya’s journey towards industrial excellence and to showcase the quality, diversity and uniqueness of Kenyan-made products for both local and international markets.
“Changamka is dedicated to showcasing Kenya’s remarkable products. We aim to position Kenya as a premier investment destination and elevate our manufacturing capacity, said,” he said.
In his remarks, the Principal Secretary for Industry Dr. Juma Mukhwana said the government is committed to supporting local manufacturers, emphasizing that government agencies are required to procure 40 percent of their goods locally, a mandate solidified by the Business Amendments Law Bill.
The British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan, commended of Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) for its efforts in fostering a business environment that drives job creation and economic growth.
“The UK-Kenya partnership, aims to leverage technology to support Kenya’s manufacturing sector,” he stated.
Tobias Alando, KAM’s Acting Chief Executive Officer said that the Changamka shopping festival aims to dispel the notion that local products lack quality and reduce reliance on imports.
“Through the Buy Kenya Build Kenya Initiative, we can transform Kenya into a manufacturing powerhouse,” he added.
In his speech KAM’s Vice Chairperson Hitesh Mediratta, said the festival’s plays a crucial role in connecting manufacturers with customers and showcasing the diversity and quality of Kenyan-made products with a unique platform to showcase the quality.
“This festival reflects our progress toward achieving our vision of becoming a world-class Business Membership Organization that delivers outstanding service to its members. Through bold, deliberate policies developed in collaboration with the government and KAM,” he said, adding that Kenya is poised to drive the manufacturing sector forward.
Tally Einav, UNIDO Country Representative to Kenya, emphasized the need for African nations to diversify their manufacturing sectors and leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.
The Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival and the 2nd Kenya Industrialization Conference was jointly organized by KAM and the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry.
By Moses Nduati and Gloria Mukhwana
