Opinion Pieces
Browse through educative and informative articles published by the KAM team
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Mon, 08 Sep 2025
AGOA’s renewal is America’s strategic advantage
AGOA has always been about building a commercial bridge. For two decades, that bridge has brought tangible benefits to American families: affordable clothing stocked on shelves at Walmart, Costco, and Ross. These are not luxuries but necessities. If AGOA expires, production will not return to U.S. factories. Instead, retailers will lean even more heavily on suppliers in Asia, where Washington already faces challenges to negotiate favourable terms. -
Fri, 05 Sep 2025
It’s time to awaken the sleeping East African giant on trade
It is worth noting that regional integration follows deliberate, ambitious steps; from preferential trade area to free trade area, to customs union, to common market, to monetary union, and ultimately to political federation. The EAC has come further than most African blocs. Today, on paper, we are a common market. In reality, that seamless trade remains elusive. -
Fri, 22 Aug 2025
Less than 40 days left, which way for Kenya-US trade relations?
These final days matter. Securing AGOA’s extension is an urgent national priority. The recent visit to Washington led by the Cabinet Secretary of Investment, Trade and Industrialization, Hon. Lee Kinyanjui shows the Government’s understanding of what is at stake. But continuing such engagements will be essential until our agenda is achieved, as time is short and only strong government-to-government interactions can deliver results. -
Wed, 16 Jul 2025
Let’s pave way for the youth to venture into manufacturing
As a country, the youth account for the majority of our population, and therefore play a significant role in our socio-political and economic development. As such, as we develop and implement policies geared towards our nation’s prosperity, their input and voice cannot be ignored. In both the private and public sector, for instance, they account for a significant number of the workforce, a clear indication of a vibrant and dynamic labour force that is resourceful in accelerating the country’s productivity and overall economic growth. -
Fri, 23 May 2025
Kenya’s VAT refund dilemma, a costly manufacturers pain point
To keep Kenya’s economy competitive, VAT refund processes must be reformed. The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) recommends a multi-faceted approach that ensures predictability, efficiency, and transparency. First, establishing a time-bound, legally backed refund mechanism is critical. Just as businesses must remit taxes within strict deadlines, VAT refunds should also be processed within a set timeframe—failure to which penalties in the form of interest should apply. -
Tue, 20 May 2025
For Kenya’s prosperity, counties must be industry-centric
Twelve years since Kenya ushered in the devolved system of government, the fruits have been bittersweet for businesses. Today, we need to pause and take stock from 2013, Where are we now? Have we fulfilled that promise? What does success truly look like and how do we translate the dream of devolution into a lived reality for our citizens, our industries and Kenya’s prosperity? -
Wed, 23 Apr 2025
The clock is ticking on AGOA expiry. Why Kenya must secure its future
The story of AGOA is one of opportunity. As of today, AGOA-driven exports generate approximately $600 million annually. In Kenya, the apparel industry alone employs over 58,000 people directly, with a one-to-one ratio of indirect jobs, and supports an estimated five dependents per worker. -
Mon, 10 Mar 2025
Can manufacturing usher Kenya’s economic prosperity in 2025?
Kenya’s manufacturing sector is navigating the new year with caution, as revealed in the latest Manufacturing Sector Barometer Report (Q4, 2024) by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). The report paints a picture of subdued confidence among industry players, with many expressing concerns over excessive taxation, high operational costs, and regulatory unpredictability.
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