The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) participated in the Multinational Manufacturers Caucus Forum, held in partnership with EuroCham Kenya and Danish Industry. The forum brought together multinational companies, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges shaping Kenya’s investment climate.
Strategic Importance of Kenya as a Regional Hub
Mr. Sekar Ramamoorthy, CEO of PZ Cussons and Chairperson of the KAM Multinational Caucus (MNC), emphasised that multinationals increasingly view Kenya not only as a market but also as a strategic regional hub, leveraging trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). He called for stronger partnerships with European businesses through joint ventures, supplier development, and sector-specific investments, while urging the removal of barriers such as double taxation to unlock greater collaboration and shared prosperity.
Advancing Sustainability and Industry Development
Ms. Joyce Njogu, Head of Consulting and Sustainability at KAM, underlined the importance of sustainability in industrial growth. She highlighted KAM’s ongoing initiatives to support members in advancing the sustainable industry agenda, noting that the Multinational Caucus provides a vital platform for networking and knowledge-sharing to address challenges affecting foreign direct investment.
Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks and Combating Illicit Trade
Ms. Miriam Chepchumba Bomett, Head of Policy & Regulatory Advocacy, reaffirmed KAM’s active participation in the Presidential Regulatory Task Force, which seeks to ease the high cost of compliance and strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness. She also addressed the impact of illicit trade and counterfeiting on multinationals, reaffirming KAM’s collaboration with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), and the National Police Service (NPS) to curb these challenges.
References & Sources
- Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) – Facebook Post on Multinational Manufacturers Caucus Forum
- European Commission – EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement Explained
- TripleOKLaw – Overview of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement
- Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) – Anti-Counterfeit Authority Partners
- Sacco Review – Counterfeit and Illicit Trade Cost Kenya Billions Annually
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) – Press Release on Destruction of Illicit Goods
