On Day 7 of the Government Performance and Delivery Roadshow with the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry hosted by Public Service Ministry CS, Hon Kuria, MITI CS Rebecca Miano and senior Government officials, we are gathered for a review meeting to assess the progress and performance of the Ministry.
CS Miano stated that her ministry maintains a strategic focus on bolstering exports, reducing imports, and fostering an influx of Foreign Direct Investments.
In the year 2023, MITI saw an increase in the value of the country’s exports by 19.3% in Q3, in comparison to Q3 of 2022.
The past year also saw the Ministry launch and start construction of about 17 Aggregation and Industrial Parks in various counties. According to H.E President Ruto, these parks will unlock industrial potential of many counties across the country.
The Ministry has made a commitment to launch over 30 aggregation parks countrywide.
The Ministry of Investment in the past year has also facilitated investments totaling about 717 Million Dollars. The Ministry committed to double the Foreign Direct Investment in the year 2024 and an additional 50% increase each year after by the year 2027.
Another major win for the ministry was the contribution of exports worth 800 Million Dollars in the EPZ Program. In 2024 and the subsequent years, the Ministry seeks to increase the exports by about 50%, from the current 800 Million to 1.2 Billion.
The Ministry is also committed to operationalize new flagships EPZs in Busia, Kirinyaga, Eldoret and Murang’a.
In Q3, CS Miano led the Ministry to launch the framework for e-commerce in Kenya. This is a testament to the ministry’s dedication to fostering an environment that enables businesses to thrive, encourages innovation, and ensures that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.
In 24 counties across the country, cotton production grew from 5,000 acres to about 40,000.
In efforts to protect local manufacturers, the Ministry operationalized the Export and Investment Promotion Levy.
The Levy is aimed at incentivizing investment by local MSMEs in the manufacturing sector, contribute towards reduction of the balance of payment deficit, creating a more level playing field for local manufacturers, who have struggled to compete with cheaper imports and deter dumping of substandard foreign goods.
CS Miano reaffirmed a commitment to perpetually enhance the trade and investment climate through ongoing reviews of the business regulatory landscape.