This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
Kenya's manufacturing sector has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, with over 30,000 formal jobs lost and 80% of existing jobs at risk.
According to a report by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), the sector has been hit hard by the pandemic, with employees working less, taking pay cuts, or on the verge of losing their jobs.
As of May 2020, the manufacturing sector had already lost 30,000 formal jobs, with an additional 140,000 jobs remaining vulnerable if the pandemic persists.
The report, which was launched on May 11, 2020, found that between five and eight out of 10 jobs have been impacted by the pandemic.
Kenya Association of Manufacturers chairman Sachen Gudka stated that the manufacturing sector has about 330,000 direct and three million indirect jobs, and that the current liquidity challenges facing many businesses could lead to further distress if left unaddressed.
