Delivering on Infrastructure Development

Kenya Association of Manufacturers Machakos Chapter guided by pillar three of the KAM’s 2017 Manufacturing Priority Agenda of enhancing competitive local manufacturing sector, has continuously advocated for timely infrastructure rehabilitation and development to enhance business competitiveness in the region.

At a stakeholders meeting held on 30^th January 2017 at the Apostolic Hall Syokimau by Kenya Urban Roads Authority, Ag. Director General Eng. Silas Kinoti and Regional Manager of Lower Eastern Eng. Mugo emphasized on their commitment to construct roads used by Manufacturers. The Chapter Chair, Mr. Mureithi Regeru emphasized the need for the authority to work with the business community in order to ensure operations are not interrupted during construction period.

Works by the authority on the roads of interest to Machakos Chapter members is set to start within the first quarter of the year, however members brought to the Director General’s attention the stagnated construction works on the 600 metre stretch that was handled by Nairobi Metropolitan Service Improvement project that was started in October 2016.

Supporting Local Manufacturing

KAM CEO Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga conducted factory visits to members of the Machakos and Surrounding regions chapter and met with the captains of industries of KAPA oil refineries – in the edible oil sector, African Cotton Industries- Paper and Board sector and Brava foods – in the beverage sector, to pick out issues affecting business operations of FMCGs companies in the county, national and sector level.

Speaking during the factory visits, the Chief Executive emphasized KAMs commitment to driving industrial growth to contribute to 15% of GDP and enhancing market access for locally manufacture red goods.

Key issues highlighted during these engagements include distribution licenses charged per county, need for infrastructure development on Quarry road and old Mombasa Road and expansion sewer, need to enhance security and fire station that will serve industrial needs.

Other issues discussed include: prompt payment for goods delivered especially in major retail supermarkets, stiff competition from cheap imports, delayed.

For more information contact: edith.moroti@kam.co.ke