KAM  Gubernatorial debates to push the economic agenda for Counties

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) held its first Gubernatorial debate in Nairobi today as part of nation-wide engagements with political leaders aimed at centralizing the economic agenda of the country in their leadership plans for the next five years.

Among the challenges identified by manufacturers in Nairobi County include: traffic congestion, poor state of roads, waste management, sewerage, shortage of water supply, harassment by city county officials and ease of doing business.

KAM Chairlady, Ms. Flora Mutahi emphasized the need for a favourable business environment.  

“Kenya’s manufacturing sector plays a vital role in the growth of a country’s economy. Tackling and addressing inhabitants of industry growth will assist the business community reach its desired target of 15% GDP contribution by 2020.

This debate is therefore an opportunity for the business community to engage the political leaders in finding solutions,” added Ms. Mutahi.

The gubernatorial debates will focus on prioritising issues such as creating a massive export push, raising productivity to world class standards, promoting and leveraging ‘Buy Kenya Build Kenya’, tackling uncustomed goods and counterfeits, and developing a stable policy environment. Additionally, job creation through the revamping of TVET curriculum in the country.  

KAM had earlier met with NASA Principals Hon. Raila Odinga and Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, Jubilee Team led by the Party Executive Director, Winnie Guchu and Thirdway Alliance Presidential Candidate Dr Ekuru Aukot, and will formally launch the 10-point Manufacturing agenda in the coming week. The agenda focuses on ensuring competitiveness is emphasized in political manifestos.

These debates will be replicated in Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Kiambu, Nakuru, Mombasa and Machakos Counties aimed at pushing Kenya’s economic agenda through industrialization.
Participants at the Nairobi County Gubernatorial debate included Nairobi Governor, Dr Evans Kidero. Nairobi Governor Aspirants, Messrs. Miguna Miguna, Michael Mutinda, Godfrey Wanyoike and Macharia Kamau.