PS Susan Mang’eni Charts Kenya’s Industrial Future

By John Kariuki

 At the launch of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Manufacturing Prior ity Agenda (MPA) 2026), Principal Secretary for MSMEs, Susan Mang’eni, outlined strategies to shift Kenya from consumption-driven growth to industrial production. The agenda targets raising manufacturing’s contribution to GDP to 20% by 2030.

The plan emphasizes the "Buy Kenya, Build Kenya" philosophy, encouraging Kenyans to support local products, which in turn strengthens the workforce and small-scale enterprises.

The MPA 2026 aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Key focus areas include moving agriculture toward value-added processing, scaling MSMEs through programs like Nyoto and the Hustler Fund, localizing the production of construction materials and essential medicines, and leveraging technology to improve factory efficiency and supply chains.

Industrial growth will also be decentralized through County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), providing manufacturers with steady, high-quality raw materials while reducing waste and ensuring economic benefits reach beyond major cities.

Targets for 2030 include a 20% GDP contribution, a 30% export share for "Made in Kenya" products, and $10 billion in foreign direct investment. The government aims to maintain a supportive regulatory environment while encouraging innovation and higher production standards.

Kenya’s industrial transformation is underway, with a clear focus on local production, increased exports, and sustainable economic growth.