The manufacturing sector is a key driver for economic growth and development through job creation and value addition. The overall goal is to increase the sector’s contribution to Kenya’s GDP from about 9.2% to 15%. This is constrained by high cost and unstable energy, inconsistent supply of quality raw materials, reliance on obsolete technologies, limited access to affordable credit and counterfeiting of products.
Government Departments, Agencies and partners should give priority to research that will lead to:
- Technologies that enhance efficiency in processing and value addition;
- Appropriate climate smart manufacturing processes, energy efficiency, effectiveness and diversification;
- Effective quality assurance and standardization of processes and products;
- Fabrication of simple power and hand driven tools/equipment used in farming and industries; medical and laboratory equipment; innovative construction machinery and spare parts production;
- Manufacturing of plant equipment, components and accessories for energy generation including: photovoltaic cells, solar panels, wind turbines, biogas digesters, burners, batteries, inverters, energy saving bulbs, bio-fuels, distribution lines and cables;
- Increased efficiency in the execution of the textile, apparel and leather value chains to overcome limitations and tap on their potential to contribute to wealth generation and employment creation; and
- Efficient production of steel, plastics and rubber, paints and adhesives, leather, electrical and electronics, sheet and fiber glass and petroleum products, auto financial /insurance services, sales and repairs, auto parts and accessories.
