Kenya Association of Manufacturers

The overall mandate of the AfCFTA is to create a single continental market with a population of about 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of approximately US$ 3.4 trillion. KAM, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through the TradeMark Africa AfCFTA Project, is actively contributing to the growth of SMEs, strengthening their capacity to access regional and international markets, and promoting sustainable economic development across the African continent. #KenyaForAfCFTA Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, TradeMark Africa

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the world’s largest free trade area bringing together the 55 countries of the African Union (AU) and eight (8) Regional Economic Communities (RECs). #KenyaForAfCFTA Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, TradeMark Africa

Happy #EidAlFitr from the KAM Board of Directors, Management, and Staff.

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has partnered with Naivas Supermarket to launch the "Retail Ready – Partnering for Growth" workshop and exhibition to empower local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Speaking during the opening session, Andreas von Paleske, Chief of Strategy at Naivas noted, "We believe in the transformative power of partnerships, and by providing this platform, we aim to help SMEs navigate the retail landscape and unlock new opportunities for expansion." KAM Head of Consulting and Sustainability, Joyce Njogu, MCIM, MBA remarked, "We are excited to be part of this initiative that will empower SMEs to scale their operations and become more competitive in the marketplace. The exhibition not only serves as a showcase for innovation but also as a catalyst for business growth, job creation, and sustainable development." Naivas' commitment to supporting local suppliers underscores the importance of these partnerships, emphasizing the critical role that SMEs play in driving the broader Kenyan economy. Similarly, KAM's dedication to empowering SMEs through the Manufacturing SME Hub further strengthens this ecosystem. The Hub provides tailored training, mentorship, policy advocacy, and networking opportunities, all designed to help SMEs scale their operations and expand into regional and global markets. #RetailReady #PartneringForGrowth #SMEDevelopment

Kenya still retains its positioning as a top destination for investment in Africa. To ensure we sustain this position the Government and manufacturers need to work together to unlock key competitiveness issues affecting our local manufacturing sector such as the high cost of production occasioned by heavy taxation and high energy costs, as well as streamline the regulatory environment to enhance the ease of doing business and compliance. - Miriam Chepchumba Bomett #MPA2025

Today, KAM launched the 2025 Manufacturing Priority Agenda (MPA). In attendance were Hon Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, and Dr Juma Mukhwana, PhD, CBS, PS State Department for Industry, among other industry leaders and stakeholders. The MPA is an annual publication guiding the Association's advocacy efforts towards enhancing manufacturing sector competitiveness. This year’s MPA is structured around four pillars: Global Competitiveness, Export-led Industrialization, Agriculture for Industry, and SME Development. During his remarks, CS Hon. Lee Kinyanjui highlighted the need for collaborative solutions to longstanding barriers. “Energy costs remain a significant concern, and it is important to explore ways of making manufacturing more competitive. Additionally, we need to reassess multiple levies imposed at the county level to ease the cost burden on industries. A balanced approach to taxation, one that considers long-term industrial growth, will be key to unlocking the sector’s full potential.” KAM Board Chairperson, Jane Karuku reaffirmed KAM’s commitment to driving sustainable industrialization for national prosperity. “At KAM, our purpose is to create prosperity for the nation through sustainable industrialization. This means advocating for policies that empower manufacturers, strengthen local industries, and create jobs. We also need to encourage our own consumption through Buy Kenya, Build Kenya. The younger generation is already showing enthusiasm for locally made products, and we want to build on this momentum.” KAM Chief Executive, Tobias Alando, MML, Bsc. emphasized the need for an enabling business environment. “A stable policy framework is critical for manufacturing growth. Predictable tax policies, improved export competitiveness, and targeted SME development will play a key role in ensuring that Kenya’s industrial base expands sustainably.” The theme of the 2025 MPA is "Achieving Kenya's prosperity through accelerated and sustainable manufacturing growth." Read the MPA 2025 here: https://shorturl.at/gQBgg #MPA2025

Industry has evolved significantly, becoming a major employer for young people and a catalyst for innovation. With the rise of high-speed internet and technological advancements, it is crucial that we continue to adapt policies that support this dynamic growth and ensure a competitive edge on the global stage. - Hon Lee Kinyanjui, CS Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry #MPA2025

A thriving industrial sector creates jobs, strengthens the middle class, and fuels economic prosperity. A stronger manufacturing sector means a stronger Kenya. - KAM Board Chairperson, Jane Karuku #MPA2025

We must be intentional in creating a stable tax and policy environment that supports the growth of our manufacturing sector, reduces industrial input costs, strengthens our SMEs, and enhances our export competitiveness. - Tobias Alando, MML, Bsc., KAM Chief Executive #MPA2025

KAM is set to launch the 2025 Manufacturing Priority Agenda (MPA). The MPA is an annual publication that guides the Association's advocacy efforts geared towards manufacturing sector competitiveness. #MPA2025