The inaugural Kenya Industrialization Conference, with the topic “Accelerating AfCFTA implementation through value chain integration for shared prosperity,” is being attended by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, or KAM.
Under the direction of the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, the State Department for Industry is organising the conference.
Exhibitions are taking place on the conference’s side-lines at the University of Nairobi, and they will be open until November 22, 2023.
Kenya must establish itself as an industrial hub that supports competitive sectors in the global arena, according to KAM Chair Rajan Shah, since the manufacturing sector is undergoing dynamic changes as a result of globalisation and technological disruption.
He added, “As KAM, we remain committed to working with the government and other stakeholders in developing policies and frameworks to boost industrial growth. We will continue to provide strategic advocacy to support the country’s transformation into a newly industrialized economy.”
Dr. Juma Mukhwana, PS State Department for Industry, said that Kenya, which is one of the top producers in East and Central Africa, wants to industrialise and take the lead in manufacturing across the whole African continent.
He went on to say that the goals of this industrialization drive will be to increase incomes, diversify the economy, improve value-added activities, and provide job opportunities, that under the AfCFTA, Kenya is expected to play a significant part in manufacturing for Africa.
“The Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, in collaboration with county governments, is implementing the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks in all 47 counties. This initiative aims to promote value chain integration with the objective of fostering the growth of manufacturing and agro-industrial investments while enhancing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector in a sustainable manner,” said the PS.
According to Council of Governors Chair Anne Waiguru, county governments will remain essential to the establishment of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs).
She went on to say that for investors and other industry participants, they will streamline approval processes, offer guidance, and offer incentives for investments. They will also make it easier for parks to engage with local vendors and other pertinent organisations.
In addition, CS Miano mentioned that Africa Industrialization Day is being conducted in conjunction with the Kenya Industrialization Conference.
“The Kenya Industrialization Conference is being held on the side-lines of Africa Industrialization Day,” she said.
“It is in realization of the critical role of the manufacturing sector that we mark this day. We are all called upon to work towards increased production and value addition of locally manufactured goods in strategic value chains and advance the economic agenda,” she added.
Attendees were Mrs. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry; Chair of the Council of Governors; Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Industry; and Alfred K’Ombudo, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Trade.
