Kenya will host the 2026 Kenya Industrialisation Summit on November 4–5 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, bringing together government officials, manufacturers, investors and development partners to discuss local production, industrial investment and strategies to reduce reliance on imported goods.
The summit will take place alongside the ninth Changamka Shopping Festival, which runs from November 3–7, providing manufacturers with an opportunity to showcase locally produced goods and connect with consumers, retailers and distributors.
Organised by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in partnership with the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, the events aim to strengthen Kenya's manufacturing capacity and encourage greater investment in domestic industries.
The discussions come as the government targets an increase in the share of locally manufactured goods consumed in Kenya from the current 30% to 50%. Industry Principal Secretary Dr Juma Mukhwana said the country imports nearly 70% of the goods it consumes, presenting opportunities for businesses to expand local production and create employment.
Kenya's manufacturing sector contributes approximately 8% to the country's Gross Domestic Product and employs nearly 500,000 people. The government is also promoting County Aggregation and Industrial Parks to encourage processing and manufacturing activities beyond major urban centres.
According to Mukhwana, 34 county industrial park projects have been initiated, with 15 already completed and the remaining projects at different stages of implementation.
KAM Chairperson Hitesh Mediratta has highlighted the importance of affordable financing, reliable energy, efficient logistics and predictable taxation in improving the competitiveness of local manufacturers. He has also called for stronger implementation of trade agreements to help Kenyan businesses access international markets.
The summit will bring together manufacturers, financial institutions, universities, technical training institutions and investors to explore opportunities in industrial financing, innovation, technology and market access.
Meanwhile, the Changamka Shopping Festival will feature more than 200 exhibitors showcasing Kenyan-made products across different manufacturing categories. The exhibition is expected to connect local producers with potential buyers and strengthen demand for domestically manufactured goods.
The outcomes of the summit will be important in determining how Kenya translates its industrialisation ambitions into increased production, investment and employment.
