Kenya manufacturers identify priority actions to realize Big 4 Agenda
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.
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.
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.
The Chairman, National Assembly Committee on Trade & Industry, Hon. Kanini Kega noted that “We need to have all arms of Government engaging at all times to ensure a holistic approach to addressing issues. We also encourage business to engage in the public participation processes.”
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 will be driven under five key pillars which, if strengthened, will realize the manufacturing goals under the Big 4 Agenda including ompetitiveness and Level playing field, enhanced market access, pro-industry policy and institutional framework, government driven SME development and ecuring the future of manufacturing industry
The launch of the Manufacturing Priority Agenda marks the first of many events to celebrate KAM’s 60 years of adding value.
