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Kenya's industrialists seek to fix business challenges

Xinhua, March 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

Kenya's industrialists on Monday launched this year's Manufacturing Priority Agenda (MPA) 2016, calling on the government to fix challenges facing the industry.

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) said the MPA is a concise guide on the most burdensome challenges facing industry.

Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, KAM Chief Executive, Phyllis Wakiaga said the MPA provides a platform for the manufacturing sector to rightfully engage government towards the realization of industrialization in Kenya.

According to industrialists, the priority areas will be driven under five key pillars. Some of the priority areas include taxation that does not discourage domestic production; preferences for local content in public procurement; and unfair foreign trade practice.

The manufacturers said complete devolution framework; macroeconomic predictability and regulatory environment that supports long-term investment including competitive local manufacturing are some of the priority areas that need to be fixed by the government.

Others include the securing the future of industry; availability of Skilled Labour; preferences for Local content in Public Procurement; reduction of cost of doing business in Kenya and making Kenya a manufacturing hub for exports.

"As KAM we look forward to working with the government on these issues mainly because the recently launched Kenya Industrial Transformation Programme (KITP) has re-energized our spirits and imagination as the business community in our quest to achieve the vision 2030 goals for the citizens of our country," Wakiaga said.

She said challenges and opportunities identified by KITP resonates with the KAM's Policy and Advocacy agenda for 2016.

The Priority Agenda is developed every year from member's observations of emerging public policy, a review of the current business environment and relevant regulations and captures issues affecting trade and the industry's perspective on the dynamic context in which manufacturers operate.

Key among the issues highlighted this year were challenges that hinder the existence of a competitive business environment for local businesses, such as double taxation and slow VAT refunds.

KAM chairperson, Flora Mutahi stated that KAM will continue to work with the government and other stakeholders towards the development of our country's industrial sector.

"This Priority Agenda is our contribution in shaping policies and regulatory frameworks that enable local businesses and trade partnerships thrive. As we head into the next elections it is our duty as industry to ensure that government pursues a pro-growth and pro-business agenda," she said. Enditem