This archive report was first published on 13 May 2020.
Kenya's Big Four Action Plan, launched in 2017, has set ambitious goals for the country's manufacturing sector. One of the key objectives is to increase the contribution of manufacturing to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 9.2% to 20%.
According to President Uhuru Kenyatta, enhancing manufacturing is crucial for the country's economic growth and development. The government has been supporting the growth of local industries, including the establishment of several industrial sites in remote regions of the country.
These initiatives have led to the creation of more jobs and the availability of high-quality, reliable work in various counties. This has helped to maintain Kenya's diverse integrity and promote equality.
Kenya's manufacturing sector has been facing stiff competition from Asian countries, which have been the primary source of consumer goods for decades. However, the Asian tiger economies, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea, achieved rapid industrialisation and stellar GDP growth rates of around 7% in the 1960s to 1990s.
Kenya can learn from these countries' experiences and achieve total industrialisation with the help of modern technology. This will not only make the country more self-reliant but also reduce its reliance on imports.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, local textile manufacturers have been playing a crucial role in the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) and face masks. The government has allocated Sh600 million to purchase gear from these factories, which will not only ensure their survival but also create jobs and promote local industries.
As the country prepares to export PPEs and face masks to other countries, it is clear that Kenya's manufacturing sector is capable of producing high-quality products that meet international standards.
At Shone EPZ, the company's director has stated that they can produce 20,000 aprons, 20,000 surgical face masks, and 20,000 pairs of safety footwear every day. This kind of productivity is a testament to the capabilities of Kenyan workers and the potential of the country's manufacturing sector.
