By adopting the theme of ‘Competitiveness’, KAM aims to inspire local industries towards attaining and maintaining World-Class Competitiveness. 

Kenya’s manufacturing sector and the private sector in general is heavily regulated. There are over 1,300 business-related licences in Kenya which are currently being reviewed.

Other cross-cutting issues affecting all sectors include the cost and quality of electricity; physical infrastructure; counterfeit trade, trade in un-customed goods, and environmental regulations.

These deterrent factors must be addressed in order to reduce the cost of doing business, ensure a level playing field and increase the level of efficiency in Kenya’s manufacturing.  

Given the necessary policy support to reduce the cost of doing business, local manufacturers can do much better in complementing the government Economic Recovery Strategy (ERS) through employment and wealth creation.

The manufacturing sector contributes 10% GDP to the economy, up to 19% Value-add GDP, and employs more than 250,000 Kenyans directly. KAM members constitute up to 60% of top taxpayers in Kenya and contribute more than 60% of Government revenue through Customs and Excise Duty, Value Added Tax (VAT) and income tax. 

Industry also gives to society through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and philanthropy giving.