This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
Kenya's manufacturing sector has been struggling, with its contribution to the economy declining from 10% in 2014 to 7.7% last year. This is despite the sector being a key pillar of President Uhuru Kenyatta's Big Four agenda.
However, the sector is expected to increase its share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 15% by 2022. The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has been at the forefront of promoting a conducive business environment for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to achieve their potential.
KNCCI President Richard Ngatia said the opportunities for SMEs were bolstered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Big Four agenda. He invited Swiss private sector investors to consider doing business in Kenya, citing the country's potential for growth.
Principal Secretary State Department of Industrialisation Francis Owino disclosed that IBM and Oracle had committed to creating opportunities for SMEs under the Big Four agenda. KNCCI has also held talks with the UAE Chamber on building partnerships between SMEs operating in both countries.
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