KAM Signs Deal to Promote Made in Kenya Brand

By Virginia Mwangi

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), on 16th August, signed a partnership deal with Brand Kenya Board to improve adoption and implementation of the Made in Kenya, Brand Mark that was recently launched by the Deputy President William Ruto.

The Mark was developed by Brand Kenya and significant partners. It is a unique way identifying the Kenyan made products in both local and global markets and is therefore expected to promote the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative by boosting consumer base for the local manufacturers.

“The Made in Kenya Brand Mark we are launching today will set Kenya apart as the home for a set of products that meet the needs of discerning buyers across the world. All our authentic products will do well if they have some iconic branding and a form of identity,” Deputy President, William Ruto said while launching the Brand Mark during the 2018 Annual Kenya National Trade Week.

The partnership sought to promote the Made in Kenya Brand Mark to manufacturers and collection of feedback about the Made in Kenya Initiative.
Mr. Tobias Alando, KAM Ag. CEO noted that promoting locally made products, in both local and international markets, is one of the ways of achieving the Government’s Big 4 Agenda.

“The manufacturing sector is key to Kenya’s economic growth due to its potential to grow productive jobs and increase the purchasing power of consumers. While Kenya is the most industrially developed country in the East Africa region, manufacturing only accounts for 8.37% of GDP. Increased competition from imported goods and services has been a challenge to Kenyan produced goods and services. This Mark of Identity hence seeks to promote Kenyan products locally and internationally, which is key to increasing exports, creating jobs and driving industrialization,” added Mr. Alando.

Brand Kenya Ag. CEO, Ms. Damaris Ngugi, added that the partnership deal would enable both organizations to synergize efforts to authenticate and promote locally made products in the markets.

“The Made in Kenya Brand Mark was developed to boost the manufacturing industry by authenticating all Kenyan goods and services for the local and international markets. It will be placed on all Kenyan products and comes with a promise of authentic, organic and high-quality products,” noted Ms. Damaris.

The Brand Kenya Board has further launched a marketing campaign on its digital platforms for all the companies and brands that expected to take up the Mark. A micro-site www.brandkenya.go.ke/madeinkenya has been developed and to enlist and promote all companies and brands that adopt the mark.