By S, KNA
Kenya’s manufacturing and trade sectors have received renewed momentum following the official opening of the 8th Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival and the 3rd Kenya Industrialization Conference at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
Presiding over the event, Principal Secretary (PS) for Industry, Dr John Mukhwana, hailed the collaboration between the government and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) as a ‘landmark partnership’ that has elevated the country’s manufacturing agenda.
“From 2024, we decided to merge the Thiaga Muka festival and the Kenya Industrialization conference into one major event. This allows us to showcase our best products while promoting dialogue on ideas that can transform Kenya’s economy,” Dr Mukhwana announced.
He noted the exponential growth of the exhibition from only 20 participants in its early years to more than 300 this year, describing it as proof of confidence in Kenya’s industrial future.
Additionally, the PS emphasised that the government’s focus on industrial parks, affordable manufacturing and strategic trade agreements is part of the broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which aims at job creation and expansion of the country’s export base.
“If Kenya is to rise, it will not be through hand-outs of hope but on the shoulders of entrepreneurs, manufacturers and innovators,” he asserted, insisting that this is the time for Kenyans to invest, to innovate, to build industries and to export proudly.
Mukhwana added that Kenya is strategically positioned as a regional manufacturing hub linking markets in East and Central Africa.
Further, the PS called on the private sector to seize emerging opportunities in renewable energy, infrastructure and value-addition, stressing that Kenya’s industrial future depends on bold investment decisions.
Lillian Mwai, Country Director of Trademark Africa, underscored the critical role of small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth and job creation.
“Over the past year, our partnership with the British High Commission, KAM and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry has trained over 800 SMEs in export-readiness, digital trade and operational excellence,” she revealed, pointing out that more than 60 firms have received tailored export coaching, while 100 have improved productivity and quality systems to meet international standards.
In addition, Mwai disclosed that these programmes have opened up new regional and international markets, with SMEs participating in trade missions to Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia — generating nearly half a million dollars in new trade deals.
“Through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Kenya’s businesses have an unprecedented opportunity to access wider African markets. Therefore, we must buy Kenyan, build Kenya and trade with Africa,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, KAM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tobias Alando reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to promoting local manufacturing and strengthening the ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ agenda.
“When we started the Changamka Festival almost a decade ago, we had only 20 exhibitors. Today, we are hosting 300, a clear demonstration of the resilience and determination of Kenya’s manufacturing sector,” he reiterated.
Equally, Alando mentioned that Kenya continues to serve as a hub for innovation and industrial development in the region, noting that peace and security remain essential for sustaining investment and growth.
“It’s about the intention, the willingness and the ability to produce locally. From clothing to construction materials, Kenya has the potential to demonstrate its industrial capability to Africa and beyond,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the event featured showcases by key partners including NCBA Bank, UNIDO, Network International and Stanbic Bank, who pledged continued collaboration in supporting local manufacturers and entrepreneurs.