As part of the Africa Industrialization Day celebrated on 20th November, 2023, the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency participated in the inaugural Kenya Industrialization Conference hosted by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry.

The 3-day conference ran from November 20th to the 22nd 2023, at the University of Nairobi’s main campus.

The conference was graced by the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry of Kenya, Hon. Rebecca Miano, Chairperson to the Council of Governors, and Governor of Kirinyaga country, Hon. Anne Waiguru, Principal Secretary for Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary for Trade, Alfred K' Ombudo, Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi, Prof. Stephen Kiama and other delegates and officials drawn from the government, private sectors, and manufacturing pioneers.

In her opening speech, the CS referenced the theme of this year's Africa Industrialization Day saying, “The theme is timely, coming up at a time, when Africa is gearing up for enhanced industrialization, in an atmosphere that is committed to incorporating inclusivity and sustainability as core values.”

Likewise, Anne Waiguru also voiced out the theme of the conference adding on that, “Our mission here therefore is not only to anticipate the future of industrialization, but to be architects of an inclusive and sustainable, industrial development for all.”

The conference created a platform to network with industry leaders, innovators, and policy makers which led to building partnerships that would further Kenya’s industrial and global impact.

The CEO of Kenya Association of Manufacturers Mr Antony Mwangi also touched on the Associations focus areas equally aligned with the nation’s manufacturing goals. He also mentioned, “We're competing with everybody, the Chinese, the Indians, the Bangladeshis, everybody. So, we have to make sure that we are globally competitive.”

Other eminent speakers present also touched on the Buy Kenya Build Kenya Initiative which encapsulated what a substantial portion of our mandate is as an Agency. As KEPROBA, the Buy Kenya Build Kenya initiative not only seeks to promote Kenyan products and services towards everyday citizens, but also works towards encouraging support for the local industry.

It was highlighted that this initiative has the potential to strengthen all value chains in the country by; promoting job creation and developing local economies, providing Kenyan consumers with quality products & reliability, enhancing Kenya’s financial freedom, and offering protection for Kenyans from substandard foreign activities/products.

Additionally, a big ally in the Buy Kenya Build Kenya initiative is the Made in Kenya mark that further plays a crucial role in giving Kenyan products a mark of identity and origin within local and international markets.

Well established businesses that have adopted the Made in Kenya mark such as Heritage Foods Kenya Limited, Mo and Mo Company Limited, Mishono Apparel, Ipop Africa, Pure Purple, Totosci Holdings Limited, Kisasa Weavers limited, Habiqo Investments Limited, and Design 365 were in attendance as they exhibited their products at the KEPROBA stand.

The event was finalized with a visit to KEPROBA’s stand from the Governor of Nairobi County, Honorable Johnson Sakaja who was appointed the Chief Guest at the closing of the conference. Closing remarks were made by the Vice Chancellor, University of Nairobi, Professor Gitahi Kiama where he heralded the Kenya Investment Conference to have been key in fostering the essence of nationhood and togetherness.

He highlighted that the conference had created a pivotal space where diverse stakeholders came together, formed essential partnerships that have already propelled Kenya ahead in its industrialization journey.