KAM launches manufacturing Outlook for 2025 to chart industrial success
KAM Board Chair Jane Karuku reaffirmed KAM’s commitment to driving sustainable industrialization for national prosperity. Karuku states that they will continue to advocate for policies that empower manufacturers and create opportunities.
The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has launched a strategic roadmap designed to strengthen local industries, enhance global competitiveness, and create a more predictable business environment.
According to KAM, even though Kenya’s manufacturing sector is at a pivotal point, with both emerging opportunities and existing challenges shaping its future, the high production costs, policy uncertainties, and underutilized market opportunities continue to slow progress, hence the launch of the priority agenda.
Speaking during the launch of the Manufacturing Priority Agenda (MPA) 2025, KAM Board chair Jane Karuku reaffirmed KAM’s commitment to driving sustainable industrialization for national prosperity.
Karuku states that they will continue to advocate for policies that empower manufacturers and create opportunities.
She adds that MPAs will serve as a road map with guiding policies supporting MSMEs and ensure the manufacturing industries grow.
“KAM advocates for policies that empower manufacturers, strengthen local industries, and create jobs. We also need to encourage our consumption through Buy Kenya, Build Kenya. These MPAs serve as crucial roadmaps, guiding policies, supporting MSMEs, and ensuring local industries scale up effectively,” she stated.
KAM Chief Executive Tobias Alando called for intentionality in policy reforms to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness.
“We must be deliberate about creating a predictable tax environment that fosters business growth. Our focus should be on export competitiveness, SME development, and a regulatory framework that supports industrial expansion,” the CEO stated.
Kenya’s geographic position offers significant advantages for regional and international trade, yet intra-African trade remains relatively low.
On his part, Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui highlighted the need for collaborative solutions to longstanding barriers.
The CS added that a balanced approach to taxation, one that considers long-term industrial growth, will be key to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
“Energy costs remain a significant concern, and it is important to explore ways of making manufacturing more competitive. But we need to reassess multiple levies imposed at the county level to ease the cost burden on industries to unlock the sector’s full potential,” he said.
As Kenya navigates the manufacturing landscape in 2025, all stakeholders, the government, industry players, and development partners need to work together to ensure sustained growth.
The Manufacturing Outlook 2025 paints a clear picture of the current landscape, highlighting the sector’s potential to drive economic growth, job creation, and industrial transformation.
The industrial sector remains a key driver of economic progress, but growth has been tempered by factors such as rising operational costs and market access limitations.
