Kenya Association of Manufacturers

Happy Jamhuri Day from the KAM Board of Directors, Management, and Staff! #JamhuriDay2024

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) hosted the Members and Partners End-Year Cocktail Party this evening, bringing together the Association's members, partners, and staff. The event provided an excellent opportunity to network, celebrate growth, and reflect on the achievements of 2024. In her remarks, KAM Board Chairperson Jane Karuku acknowledged that 2024 was a profound test of resilience for the nation. The economic landscape faced significant challenges, exacerbated by nationwide protests highlighting pressing issues such as job creation, governance, accountability, and the rising cost of living. Despite these obstacles, KAM remained steadfast in its mission to drive competitiveness and productivity within Kenya’s manufacturing sector. "At the heart of our efforts is you - our members," she emphasized. KAM Acting CEO Tobias Alando, MML, Bsc. highlighted achievements over the past year: Launching the Business Guide on Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Law in Kenya, engaging the Senate on affordable energy access, advocating for the County Procedures Bill to streamline licensing and regulations, among others. Under the Export-Led Industrialization agenda, KAM hosted sensitization forums on the AfCFTA and the Kenya-EU EPA, and resolved six EAC non-tariff barriers. To empower SMEs, KAM partnered with the Confederation of Danish Industry to train over 100 SMEs on export readiness and collaborated with the COMESA Business Council to integrate SMEs into value chains. KAM also developed the Agriculture for Industry (A4I) strategy to strengthen industry-agriculture linkages through backward integration. Mr Alfred Mwenda, Director General, Budget, Fiscal and Economic Affairs at National Treasury acknowledged KAM's role in driving fact-based policy advocacy towards formation of industrial policies to strengthen and support the country's economic development. The evening also celebrated members and partners whose outstanding contributions have driven growth within the manufacturing sector. #EndOfYear2024 #CelebratingStrides

Don't miss the 2025 Corporate Golf Tournament! Join us for a day where golf meets growth - on and off the course. Register here: https://lnkd.in/drjyrxN9 #KAMCorporateGolf

KAM Ag. Head of Policy, Research, and Advocacy, Ms Miriam Chepchumba Bomett, joined policy experts at a KEPRO forum to discuss the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations 2024. The event, led by KEPRO Kenya CEO James Odongo, included experts from National Environment Management Authority - KE (NEMA), represented by Anastacia VaVyalu, and legal expert Ms. Rosa Nduati Mutero from Anjarwalla and Khanna. Ms. Bomett emphasized the growing importance of environmental sustainability for businesses in response to rising global warming concerns highlighted by UNEP. She outlined the private sector’s role in supporting the circular economy through the National Sustainable Waste Management Policy and EPR, which promotes waste as a resource to enhance circularity. She highlighted the holistic nature of EPR, assigning responsibilities across stakeholders, and urged businesses and consumers to embrace this new approach. Ms. Bomett also detailed steps for compliance and called for collaboration with government agencies to address implementation challenges, ensuring business continuity and advancing Kenya’s green economy goals.

SevenTwenty Holdings Ltd is a manufacturer within the steel and metal sub-sector at KAM. They specialize in the manufacture of curtain rods and curtain rod accessories. Additionally, the company is involved in paint manufacturing. They take pride in two brands: Executive curtain rods and Set paints. Here’s a walk-through of their production journey, showcasing their commitment to quality and innovation. #MadeInKenya #SMEDevelopment

Join us at the KAM 2025 Corporate Golf Tournament. Forge valuable connections, engage in friendly competition, and showcase your skills on the course. Register here: https://lnkd.in/drjyrxN9 #KAMCorporateGolf

The Tunisian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Anouar Ben Youssef, hosted delegates from the TAA - Tunisian Automotive Association for a luncheon at the Embassy. The event marked a key highlight of their six-day experience-sharing visit to Kenya, running from 2nd to 7th December 2024. The delegation is on an exchange visit aimed at fostering collaboration with the KAM Automotive sector and sharing insights to leverage opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). #KAMTakesYouThere

Today, KAM, UNIDO and the State Department for Industry met to advance discussions on the decarbonization roadmap for hard-to-abate sectors like cement, steel, and chemicals. The dialogue, part of the Net Zero partnership, comes at a critical moment as the manufacturing sector steps up its contributions to Kenya's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This collaboration underscores the sector's commitment to climate action. Next week, KAM will participate in a workshop to provide sectoral input into the NDC process, helping define proposed emission targets for industry. Together, we aim to shape a sustainable, low-carbon future. #PathwayToNetZero

Yesterday, KAM in partnership with EPZA, hosted a sensitization forum for EPZ-based companies. The forum provided insights into the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), outlining the requirements for exporting to the EU market and guiding participants on checking their product eligibility on the EU portal. The EU presents a significant export potential for products such as agriculture, fisheries, animal products, and manufactured goods. Similarly, the EPZA offers vast opportunities across sectors, including textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing. The session highlighted key benefits for companies exporting to the EU market, including: i. Access to an expanded market ii. Enhanced competitiveness iii. Opportunities for investment and partnerships Additionally, the discussion emphasized sustainable trade practices and compliance with EU regulatory requirements. #EUKenyaEPA

KAM Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing Lawrence Njenga, MPRSK spoke during the Africa Business Ethics Conference, earlier today. Mr Njenga, underscored the role of business ethics in driving sustainable industrial growth and economic prosperity. “Business ethics serve as the cornerstone of sustainable growth and development," he emphasized, highlighting their importance in building trust among stakeholders, fostering compliance, and promoting equitable competition. Njenga pointed out the alarming cost of corruption in Kenya, which is estimated at 5-10% of GDP, a stark contrast to the manufacturing sector's 7.6% GDP contribution. He outlined KAM’s commitment to ethical business practices, urging companies to adopt codes of ethics, establish whistleblowing policies, and provide training on anti-corruption measures. He stressed the need for accountability and transparency across both public and private sectors, encouraging businesses and individuals to report corrupt practices. “Corruption is not just a government issue; it’s a collective challenge. Every business, organization, and individual has a role to play in upholding ethics and fighting corruption,” he stated. #KAMAdvocacy