The government is targeting to increase the share of goods consumed in Kenya that are manufactured locally from 30 per cent to 50 per cent as part of efforts to boost industrial growth and create jobs.
Principal Secretary for Industry and Trade Juma Mukhwana said Kenya needs to move away from exporting raw materials towards manufacturing and value addition to strengthen the domestic economy.
Mukhwana noted that nearly 70 per cent of goods consumed locally are imported, highlighting the need to increase domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign goods.
He said expanding local manufacturing would help retain jobs within the country while creating more employment opportunities across industries.
Kenya also aims to build on its 16 per cent contribution to supplies under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand market opportunities for local manufacturers.
The government’s target places local production and value addition at the centre of efforts to grow the manufacturing sector, create employment and strengthen Kenya’s position in regional trade.
