the government is eager to boost local manufacturing and industrial development in Kenya and that a host of measures have been initiated in order to strengthen the industry. She further noted that Nairobi is determined to position Kenya as a giant in the manufacturing sector of Africa, having identified the potential of the industry to create employment and alleviate poverty.
According to Mainapaid, the federal government is focused on Big Four pillars in its economic development efforts, which include food security, universal health care, affordable housing and the creation of job opportunities.
She also discussed the National Automotive Policy, under which the government has imposed restrictions on the importation of various spare parts, in order to encourage local production. The policy also proposes an eventual ban on imports of second hand passenger and commercial vehicles. In her address, the Trade Secretary noted that the new policy is expected to be a game changer in Kenya’s automotive industry, as the East African nation strives to push the “Buy Kenya Build Kenya” brand.
“In order to build the local capacity, we have made restrictions in the policy for parts that must be made in Kenya whether they are tyres or batteries. As we go forward, our dream with this policy is that more parts will be made in Kenya,” she said, adding that the policy, once fully implemented, is expected to increase the number of locally produced and assembled quality products supplied to the Kenyan market.
