KAM launches the Manufacturing Priority Agenda (MPA) 2019

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has launched the Manufacturing Priority Agenda (MPA) 2019 under the theme, Closing the manufacturing gap through the Big 4 Agenda for shared prosperity.

The agenda outlines immediate action plans that will yield tangible results in the short term, which will see Kenya’s manufacturing sector close the current gap of 6.6% by 2022, to attain the 15% GDP target under the Big 4 Agenda.

Industry PS Ms Betty Maina at Launch of MPA 2019

Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary, State Department for Investment and Industry, Ms Betty Maina noted industrialization is the driving force for any economy.

“No country has grown without industrialization. This is why the Government has prioritize the manufacturing sector under the Big 4 Agenda. The Manufacturing Priority Agenda that we have launched provides information on key areas the manufacturing sector would like the Government to focus on, in order to drive the competitiveness of industry.

National Assembly Committee on Trade & Industry, Hon. Kanini Kega

However, as we continue to address these challenges, we require businesses to expand their investments as it is a sure way to grow our economy and create employment opportunities,” added Ms Maina.

KAM Vice Chairman, Mr Mucai Kunyiha noted that Kenya to realize its industrialization goals, there is need for deliberate and predictable policy interventions.

“For Kenya to achieve its Big 4 Agenda and Vision 2030 goals, our approach towards the manufacturing sector has to change. It must be business unusual. This means that we need to prioritize its productivity by making it profitable for local companies to export again, boosting their capacity to expand within the country and focusing on SME growth and productivity. This is only attainable if we put in place policies that will promote the competitiveness of local industry, encourage value addition and diversity of locally manufactured products” added Mr Mucai.

The priority areas of the Manufacturing Priority Agenda are;