AS the country steps forward in its ambition to grow to a first world country in the near future, it is imperative that its economic foundation is based on industry; an economic sector that guarantees sustainable economic growth in addition to stability as illustrated by key global leaders such as Japan and Germany.
Inclusive industrialisation means ensuring that no one is left behind in the march toward progress. It means supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who are the lifeblood of our economy by improving access to credit, technology and markets.
Sustainable industrialisation means ensuring that growth today does not compromise the needs of tomorrow.
Kenya is a leader on this front, giving manufacturers a unique, competitive edge locally and internationally. We are increasingly seeing more youth and women venturing into the manufacturing sector, whilst we are increasingly embedding critical tenets of sustainability in our operations.
It is important for Kenya to look at sustainability from a 360-degree perspective, one that ensures that it is able to strike a balance between people, profit and the planet.
As such, it is important to have a moderated policy environment that upholds the best interests of the three spheres and at the same time stimulate the economy and reduce barriers to entry.
We are operating in a volatile business environment. Rapid, unpredictable factors such as policy and regulatory instability and unpredictability as well as shifting global geopolitics, have led to increased operational costs, hindering long-term investment, disrupting supply chains, and eroding market competitiveness.
Enhancing our export competitiveness can be driven from within by building a strong, vibrant domestic market. A robust local market supports economies of scale, innovation, and resilience, making Kenyan products more competitive globally.
We are committed to being a proactive partner to the government, providing solutions and support on policies that create a conducive business environment for local manufacturers and enterprises.
This calls for the establishment of stable and predictable tax policies, a reduction in production costs and the creation of a conducive regulatory environment that fosters industrial growth.
It also means nurturing a vibrant economy where citizens enjoy enhanced purchasing power, empowering them to consume more locally manufactured products.
A thriving nation must be able to produce what it consumes. This is why KAM relentlessly champions Buy Kenya, Build Kenya, and the manufacturing sector lies at the heart of this campaign.
By promoting local industries, we not only reduce our dependence on imports but also stimulate innovation, improve quality standards and expand export potential.
The success of Buy Kenya, Build Kenya rests on each one of us as consumers, as business leaders and as policymakers.
Every time we choose a Kenyan brand, we make a patriotic and economic decision. We keep our money circulating within our economy, and we fuel local enterprise.
Let us take pride in wearing Kenyan fabrics, eating Kenyan food, using Kenyan products, and celebrating Kenyan creativity. Let us believe that what is made in Kenya is made with excellence.
On the other hand, the Local Content Policy aims to ensure that national resources are used to create and retain value within the country through measures such as prioritising local labour, goods, and services in major projects.
The Local Content Policy is designed to foster local industry, enhance technical capacity, and promote economic growth through value creation, local participation, capacity building and local linkages to encourage the use of local goods and services, ensuring they meet required standards.
We must increase our focus on developing key value chains from agro-processing and textiles to pharmaceuticals, building materials, and digital manufacturing.
By nurturing innovation ecosystems and investing in skills development, Kenya can become a hub for high-value production and technology-driven industry.
Kenya stands at a defining moment. The path to industrial competitiveness is not easy, but it is achievable.
The writer is the chief executive of Kenya Association of Manufacturers and can be reached at ceo@kam.co.ke.
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