The University of Nairobi hosted the Kenya Industrialization Conference 2023 themed ‘Accelerating
Africa Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA) implementation through Value Chain Integration for
Shared Prosperity’ on Monday 20 th November,2023 Taifa Hall from 9am. The three (3) day Conference
will go on up to Wednesday the 22nd November,2023.

“I am honoured as we celebrate the Kenya Industrialization Conference 2023, that is being held along the sidelines of the Africa Industrialization Day, an important event celebrated all over Africa.The global theme of this year’s Africa Industrialization Day is “Industrializing Africa: Renewed Commitment towards Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization and Economic Diversification”. Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Rebecca Miano, Mbs while giving her remarks during the launch of the three(3) day Conference.

"Kenya Industrialization Conference is happening at a time when the atmosphere is focusing on inclusivity and sustainability. The Government of Kenya under the leadership of His Excellence Dr. William Samoei Ruto is working hard and putting more efforts to improve the operating environment for manufacturers to enable manufacturing thrive in Kenya". She added.

“I call upon our local manufacturers to embrace globally acclaimed sustainable industrial practices starting with renewable energy, which we have in abundance in the country. In addiction the government of Kenya is deliberately putting strategies to attract more foreign investments for our economic transformation".

Dr. Juma Mukhwana, PHD, PS, State department of Industry retareited that Kenya is a leading  manufacturer in the East and Central Region and aspires to industrialize and become the preferred manufacturing hub for the Africa Continent. He added that Industrialization will result in increasing of incomes, creation of employment and raising value-added activity and diversifying the economy.

He added that the state department of Industry undertakes to forge and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders to create a conducive business environment which encourages manufacturing activities  to be conceived and nurtured to grow and thrive as viable business. And this calls for us all to pull together; academia, Industry, policy makers and development partners must move in tandem with one another and in response to changing times.

Prof.Kiama Gitahi while giving his remarks highlighted that industry and academia should work together to bring change. He added that the university of Nairobi as an institution is working to align its students with the industry demands in Kenya and across the globe. The students also become catalysts of innovation hence bringing change by solving industry day to day challenges. This relationship will bring economic transformation and realization of industry goals in the country and the broader African Continent.

“Kenya’s industrialization journey is at a critical juncture, particularly during the African Union’s declared year for the “Acceleration of AfCFTA Implementation. This is therefore a pivotal moment for Kenya’s industrial sector, and it is essential that we work together to drive progress and achieve our shared goals.

At UNIDO, our mandate is to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development. We firmly believe that industrialization is a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction and overall societal advancement. MS. Linet represented MS. Kawira Bucyana. Unido Country Representative.

“The Kenya Association of Manufacturers works to implement new strategies in the new Kenyan industries. We strive for sustainable industrial development in the country. Therefore, the Government of Kenya and all stakeholders should come up with policies and framework to boost growth and industrialization which will in turn increase the Gross profits among Kenyan industries”. Mr. Rajan Shah.

Speaking while giving her remarks at the Conference, H.E. Hon.Ann Waiguru, EGH, Governor of Kirinyaga County and Chair of Council of Governors noted that as a Council, private partners play a critical role in bring economic growth and transformation in the counties. She added that this also give an opportunity to forge new innovations to solve challenges faced in the Kenyan Industries.

Other guests who gave their remarks during the conference were; CEO KNFJKA Mr. Richard Muteti who was represented, Chair KNCC&ampI, Dr. Eric Ruto who was represented by MS Esther Nthenya and CEO KEPSA, MS Carole Kariuki.