Investment

Changamka Shopping Festival Kicks Off As CS Calls On Kenyans To Shop Local

BY Soko Directory Team · November 5, 2024 09:11 pm

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Salim Mvurya Mgala, has called on Kenyans to buy locally manufactured goods as it will go a long way in creating jobs and wealth in the country.

Addressing the 7^th Edition of the Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival that kicked off today at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), the CS invited Kenyans to take advantage of this unique opportunity to shop for quality, locally manufactured products at discounted prices.

“Today is a very important day; we are here to showcase Kenya and its locally manufactured products. The festival underscores the strategic importance of our local manufacturing sector in propelling Kenya’s economic growth and resilience. By empowering local manufacturers and the entire value chain, the government is committed to enabling policies that foster quality product innovation. This will ensure our products meet international standards, expanding market access locally, regionally and globally. Ultimately, the Changamka Festival is a testament to how profiling and supporting local manufacturing plays a huge role in creating job opportunities and driving economic prosperity for Kenya.”

Hosted by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in partnership with Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, this year’s festival features over 200 exhibitors, including more than 100 manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It showcases the best of locally manufactured goods while aligning with the Buy Kenya Build Kenya Strategy, a key element of both the Changamka Festival and the Kenya Industrialization Conference.

The festival coincides with the Kenya Industrialization Conference, which kicks off on November 6th. This high-level platform will bring together leaders from government, industry, and academia to discuss the future of manufacturing in Kenya and Africa. This year’s conference theme, “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialization to Accelerate Africa’s Structural Transformation,” emphasizes the critical role that technology and sustainability play in the continent’s industrial growth.

British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, emphasized the importance of delivering sustainable growth. He expounded that, “The UK and Kenya, as part of our long-term partnership, are working together to provide long-term investment solutions to drive economic growth and create jobs. Our Manufacturing Africa and Sustainable Urban Economic Development programmes are supporting business growth and adding value to Kenya products before they leave Kenya; our mobilisation of climate finance is securing investments that tackle climate change; and the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative will create jobs for Kenyans and grow the economy. We go far when we go together.”

For years, KAM has championed the adoption of locally manufactured products, challenging the misconception that Kenyan-made goods are more expensive than imports. Through initiatives like the Changamka Festival, KAM aims to strengthen domestic production, enhance competitiveness, and stimulate economic growth in Kenya.

Kenyans are encouraged to seize this opportunity to support local businesses and explore the high-quality, locally manufactured products showcased at the Changamka Kenya Shopping Festival.

KAM Vice Chair, Hitesh Mediratta noted that market access remains pivotal to our manufacturing sector’s growth, and this is where the Changamka Festival plays an invaluable role.

“At the heart of KAM’s mission lies the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative, which reinforces the critical role of local consumption in boosting our economy. Every Kenyan-made product purchased helps create jobs, drives innovation, and strengthens the foundation of our domestic economy. The success stories on display today are evidence of the sector’s potential, but for this momentum to continue, all hands must be on deck, from government to private sector—to ensure policies and practices that enable long-term growth.

Moreover, by providing visibility to these products, this festival supports Kenya’s entry into regional and international markets. Through events like this, we reinforce our alignment with the AfCFTA, enabling local manufacturers, including women and youth, to tap into regional and even global audiences,” explained Mr. Mediratta.

KAM Ag. CEO Tobias Alando stated, “The 7th Edition of the Changamka Festival is a pivotal platform for positioning Kenya’s manufacturing sector on the global stage. This year’s festival not only celebrates the exceptional quality, innovation, and diversity of Kenyan-made products but also reaffirms our commitment to supporting SMEs as they expand their reach across local, regional, and international markets. With over 100 SMEs participating, we are showcasing products that embody world-class standards, strengthening Kenya’s reputation as a hub of manufacturing excellence and driving sustainable economic growth for the nation.”

The festival aims to challenge misconceptions that locally produced goods are inferior to imports by showcasing the high quality, innovation, and diversity of Kenyan-made products. It is supported by the British High Commission through TradeMark Africa; Stanbic Bank; Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL); AfreximBank; United Nations Industrial Development Organization; Ecobank; and Amonex.

About Soko Directory Team

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