This archive report was first published on 3 July 2019.
Kenya's bid to become a regional manufacturing powerhouse is facing significant challenges, with a severe shortage of skilled and technical personnel hindering progress.
According to research by Strathmore University, the cost and quality of power remain major obstacles to achieving the country's goal of increasing manufacturing output to 20 percent by 2022.
Under the Big Four blueprint, Kenya aims to expand its manufacturing base from the current 9.2 percent to 20 percent by 2022.
Strathmore University's lead researcher, Professor Ismail Ateya, notes that manufacturers have expressed concerns about a serious technical skills gap, calling on the government to create educational incentives that boost ICT and technical skills uptake among Kenyans.
Professor Ateya further emphasizes that the lack of skilled and technical personnel within the manufacturing industry is another significant challenge that Kenya must address to become a regional manufacturing super-power.
Trade Principal Secretary Betty Maina says the government has developed financial incentives for students at Technical Vocational Education and Training Institutions, focusing on those pursuing courses related to manufacturing.
PS Maina also notes that the government is pushing for internship offers for technical students to boost technological skills in the manufacturing industry.
With the advancement of technology, the PS urges manufacturers to address internal factors affecting their operations, such as improving equipment, while the government tackles external challenges.
According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics in 2017, the manufacturing sector accounted for 9.2 percent of GDP, 26 percent of merchandise exports, and 12 percent of total employment created.
