Building Kenya’s Industrial Future with Local Innovation
By Daniel Kirui Njoroge
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 21 – The manufacturing sector has long been recognised as a cornerstone of economic growth, innovation and job creation. According to the World Bank, global manufacturing accounts for around twelve percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—the total value of all goods and services produced in an economy.
Yet, across much of Africa, the sector continues to underperform. High energy costs, inefficient supply chains and underdeveloped infrastructure limit industrial capacity and competitiveness.
In Kenya, the challenge is even more pressing. The manufacturing sector contributed just 7.6 percent to the country’s GDP in 2023, down from 11.3 percent in 2010, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. This decline is a clear sign of structural weaknesses, operational inefficiencies and untapped potential.
Frequent power fluctuations and high energy costs disrupt production schedules, while imported machinery—often designed for very different climates—struggles in local conditions of heat, dust and voltage instability. When these machines break down, repairs are slow due to a shortage of skilled technicians and locally available spare parts. Regulatory bottlenecks, inefficient logistics and expensive financing make it harder for businesses to invest in modern equipment. These factors together create an environment where factories cannot operate at full capacity and new industrial ventures are discouraged.
However, this is not a story of inevitable decline. There are clear and practical pathways to revitalising Kenya’s manufacturing base. One is to design and adapt machinery for African realities, ensuring it can withstand local conditions and be serviced locally. Companies like Afropack Group are already demonstrating this approach, blending international engineering expertise with African ingenuity to produce systems that are reliable, easier to maintain and less dependent on imported parts.
Developing a skilled workforce is equally critical. When technicians are trained to operate and repair modern production lines, downtime is reduced, productivity rises and businesses can plan with greater confidence. Coupled with the local production of spare parts, this approach shortens repair times and strengthens resilience.
Energy is another piece of the puzzle. Integrating renewable sources such as solar and biomass can reduce costs, improve supply reliability and lower carbon emissions. At the same time, Kenya must focus on value addition to its abundant agricultural produce. For example, tomatoes and mangoes—often left to rot when markets are saturated—could be processed into tomato paste, dried fruit or juices for regional and international markets. In Europe, tomato paste is known as “red gold” because of its high value. Kenya has the land, the climate and the raw materials to replicate such success; what is needed is the processing and packaging capacity to turn waste into wealth.
Sustainability must underpin these solutions. By adopting recyclable materials, reducing waste and embracing energy efficiency, manufacturers will not only meet growing environmental standards but also open up new export opportunities. This aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Climate Action (SDG 13).
Kenya’s industrial future depends on bold, coordinated action. If policymakers, investors and manufacturers commit to context-driven innovation, targeted skills development and sustainable practices, the country can reclaim its manufacturing strength, create high-quality jobs and secure long-term economic resilience. The tools are within reach—what remains is the will to use them.
The writer is Managing Director at Afropack Group.
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