Manufacturers raise concern over low number of women in manufacturing

Kennya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has expressed concern over the low number of women in the manufacturing sector.   

This was during the Women in Manufacturing Lower Eastern Region Conference, held in Machakos County.   

KAM CEO, Ms Phyllis Wakiaga, called on county governments to ramp up efforts geared towards increasing the participation of women in the manufacturing sector. 

“Women are making strides in steering the country’s economy. Unfortunately, they continue to be marginalized in various sectors of our economy, including manufacturing. As such, any conversations around economic development and increasing our competitiveness, must involve them. Even as KAM’s Women in Manufacturing Programme strives to increase the participation of women in the manufacturing sector, we urge county governments to create an enabling environment, by doing away with the barriers that hinder women’s active participation in industry. These include regulatory overreach, unstable political climate and unfavourable tax policies, which hinder competitiveness and productivity.”   

Kenya Power Nairobi Regional Manager, Eng. Geoffrey Muli, appreciated the power company’s partnership with KAM.    

“By working with KAM, Kenya Power better understands the needs of industrial customers, and has consequently created tailor-made solutions for them. For instance, we have put up alternative supply lines to reduce downtime and embraced smart metering to enhance billing efficiency.”   

Machakos County Chief Officer Dr James Mutunga noted that the County is working towards empowering women in the county economically.  

“Through the devolved system of government, we have been able to reach more citizens, through initiatives geared towards driving socio-economic growth. Our focus now, is improving the ease of doing business in Machakos County, by creating linkages between investors and the business community, to spur inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”  

The conference was held in partnership with Safaricom, Kenya Power, Stima Sacco, Coca Cola and Thika Cloth Mills. It is the third of a nationwide series of events, geared towards increasing women’s participation in the manufacturing sector.