The Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Mr. Tobias Alando, paid a courtesy call on Ms. Norah Ratemo, Director General of the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC), in a meeting that underscored a renewed commitment to accelerating growth in Kenya’s manufacturing industry
During the engagement, both leaders highlighted the strong demand for financing within the sector, which currently contributes 7.4% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). They expressed a shared ambition to elevate this figure into double digits, positioning manufacturing as a central pillar of Kenya’s economic transformation.
Key outcomes from the discussions include plans for joint development of sector-focused webinars. These sessions will enable manufacturers to engage directly, exchange insights, and clearly articulate their financing requirements to bridge gaps in access to capital.
The two organizations reaffirmed their intent to re-establish and deepen strategic collaboration. This partnership aims to strengthen linkages between industry players and policymakers, co-create supportive frameworks, and drive significant employment creation across the value chain.
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Ms. Ratemo emphasized KDC’s expanded capabilities in supporting the manufacturing sector, including through equity investments in addition to conventional lending options. This diversified approach is designed to provide more flexible and impactful funding solutions for manufacturers seeking to scale operations.
The collaboration will also leverage KAM’s research reports to identify a robust pipeline of bankable investment opportunities. By using these insights, KDC and KAM plan to design tailored financial products that better meet the specific needs of Kenyan manufacturers.
A notable focus of the renewed partnership is the KJET Green Fund, under which both entities will target priority green growth sectors. These include electric mobility and transport, energy-efficient and green buildings, sustainable agriculture, and waste management—areas with strong potential backed by favorable policy direction, growing market demand, and improving enabling conditions.
