Need To Collaborate And Fostering Sustainability In Business

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has today called for joint efforts from County Governments to foster sustainability and economic empowerment for women industrialists.  

This was during the Women in Manufacturing Central Region Conference and Product Parade opening ceremony, held in Nyeri County. 

KAM WIM Chair, Ms. Mary Ngechu, stressed mentorship to drive increased participation of women in the manufacturing sector.

“While women are not explicitly excluded from the manufacturing sector in Kenya, they remain underrepresented and undervalued. Under the WIM Programme, we aim to mentor young women to take up and soar in Science, Technology, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) courses to take up more manufacturing-related jobs for sustainable growth and economic empowerment. We call on all relevant stakeholders to come on board to support this noble cause for enhanced productivity and competitiveness,” added Ms. Ngechu.

Nyeri County CEC Trade, Tourism and Cooperative Development, Ms. Diana Kendi demonstrated the efforts that the County Government is putting in place to sustain industrial growth.

“Nyeri County prides itself in being the County with the largest internship program. Each year, we facilitate internship opportunities for 200 participants. COVID-19 has taught us to remain resilient amidst adverse challenges. Even as we seek to drive resilience, we must ensure to remain inclusive. It is for this reason that we remain focused on skills development to remain diverse and build the capacity necessary for economic empowerment and sustainability to keep up with global trends,” remarked Ms. Kendi.

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Representative, Ms. Linet Luva affirmed the organization’s commitment to enhancing the participation of women in the manufacturing sector.

“We remain committed to encouraging the participation of women in the industry and have them as agents of transformative change. We facilitate development services to support women in the manufacturing sector including access to finance, and capacity building on various issues affecting women in the manufacturing sector. We appreciate KAM is playing in enhancing inclusivity in industrial development,” explained Ms. Luva.

The Conference and was held in partnership with Safaricom, Kenya Power, Stima Sacco, Coca Cola, Space and Style Limited, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kenya Wine Agency Limited, Highlands Drinks Limited, Capwell Industries, and Thika Cloth Mills.

It is the fourth of a nationwide series of events, geared towards increasing women’s participation in the manufacturing sector. The next edition shall be held in the Coast Region, Mombasa County.