Nairobi – The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) marked the commencement of the sixth Changamka Shopping Festival, a grand manufacturing summit expo designed to elevate the visibility of locally produced goods and accelerate the pace of industrialization in Kenya.
According to Kenya News Agency, the manufacturing sector in Kenya employs approximately 352,000 individuals, making it the second-largest employer in the country, following the private sector. This significant employment figure underscores the crucial role of the manufacturing industry in the national economy. The Changamka Festival showcased a variety of products from twenty microenterprises, illustrating the potential for business expansion and economic prosperity within the sector.
Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Industry, emphasized the expo’s critical role in highlighting high-quality products designed to meet the standards of both local and international markets. “Some of the products showcased here are top-quality exports to the USA, Europe, Africa, and other markets. These are world-class products made for Kenyans,” Dr. Mukhwana remarked, showcasing the global reach of Kenyan manufacturing.
Mr. Rajan Shah, the Chairman of KAM, lauded local industries for their continuous innovation and ability to produce high-quality products that make a mark on the global stage. He highlighted the significance of value addition to locally produced goods as a driving force for socio-economic transformation. “The Changamka Festival provides consumers with opportunities to support local manufacturers and celebrate the diversity of our manufacturing sector,” Shah commented, emphasizing the festival’s role in bolstering the local economy.
Shah also pointed out the need to challenge the perception that locally produced goods are of lower quality and to reduce the country’s dependence on imported goods. In tandem with this, Mr. Anthony Mwangi, KAM’s Chief Executive, underscored the vital role of local manufacturing in the Kenyan economy and its positive influence on various economic sectors. Mwangi encouraged Kenyan consumers to explore the wide array of quality products available, aiming to dispel any misconceptions about their quality and affordability.
Adding to the narrative, Johnson Sakaja, the Governor of Nairobi County, underscored the capital’s importance as the economic heart of Kenya, hosting an array of national organizations and a wealth of innovative talent. He called for ongoing skill development to ensure that work is of high value and is rewarded accordingly.
The Changamka Festival is set to transform perceptions of locally made products, presenting them as authentic and high-quality options for consumers, and standing as a testament to the potential and vitality of Kenya’s manufacturing sector on both a national and global scale.