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Kenyan manufacturers are calling for stronger government support amid mounting competition from foreign imports, warning that local industries could be squeezed out without urgent intervention.
At the opening of the 8th Kenya International Industrial Expo (KIIE) 2025 in Nairobi, exhibitors expressed concern over the flood of cheaper products—particularly from Asia—that has made it difficult for local firms to remain competitive.
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Akash Patel, Sales Manager at ABC Joint Silicone, noted that imports benefit from large-scale production overseas, making them cheaper than goods produced locally.
“The biggest challenge is competition from imports. When products are manufactured in China, economies of scale make them cheaper compared to producing them in Kenya,” he said.
He further explained that local firms face additional hurdles, such as strict licensing and certification requirements, which increase operating costs. “A manufacturer abroad can produce in bulk and ship to Kenya without the heavy costs of setting up operations here. That’s why global brands have an edge,” Patel added.
Manufacturers stressed that without targeted incentives and policy measures, Kenya’s industrialisation agenda could be undermined, leaving importers to dominate the market while threatening local jobs and innovation.
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The three-day expo, held at the Sarit Expo Centre, has attracted more than 200 Chinese exhibitors and over 6,000 trade visitors, highlighting the growing global interest in Kenya’s market.
While organisers emphasise opportunities for bilateral trade, Kenyan manufacturers insist that urgent policies are needed to ensure a fair playing field and protect homegrown industries.
