Kenyan Industries Urged to Embrace AI for Manufacturing Growth and Global Competitiveness
Kenyan manufacturers are being called upon to rapidly adopt artificial intelligence technologies to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve global competitiveness in an increasingly digitalized industrial landscape. The appeal was made by Industry Principal Secretary Dr. Juma Mukhwana during the National Manufacturing Summit in Nairobi, where he emphasized that AI integration is no longer optional but essential for the sector’s survival and growth. The government’s push comes as Kenyan manufacturers face mounting pressure from international competitors who are leveraging AI for predictive maintenance, quality control, supply chain optimization, and energy efficiency in their production processes.
The adoption of AI technologies promises to transform multiple aspects of Kenyan manufacturing, from automating visual inspections to optimizing production schedules and predicting equipment failures before they occur. Early adopters in the food processing, automotive assembly, and textile sectors have reported significant improvements in operational efficiency and product quality. We cannot compete using 20th-century technologies while our global competitors are leveraging 21st-century AI solutions. The manufacturing sector must embrace these technologies to enhance productivity and create higher-value products for both local and export markets, Dr. Mukhwana stated during his keynote address to industry leaders.
The response from the manufacturing community has been cautiously optimistic, with larger enterprises expressing readiness to invest while small and medium manufacturers voice concerns about implementation costs and technical expertise. The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has announced plans to establish an AI Adoption Support Program to provide technical guidance and facilitate knowledge sharing among members. We recognize the transformative potential of AI, but we must address the significant barriers facing our SMEs, including high initial investment costs and skills gaps. We’re developing tailored solutions to help manufacturers at different stages of digital maturity, said KAM Chief Executive Anthony Mwangi.
Looking ahead, the government has committed to supporting the sector’s AI transformation through fiscal incentives, including tax breaks for companies investing in AI technologies and funding for research and development in industrial AI applications. The Ministry of Industrialization is also developing a National AI in Manufacturing Strategy to provide a clear roadmap for the sector’s digital transformation. Our vision is to position Kenya as a manufacturing hub for intelligent, connected industries. By embracing AI, our manufacturers can leapfrog traditional development stages and compete effectively in regional and global markets, Dr. Mukhwana affirmed. With appropriate support and strategic implementation, AI technologies could potentially increase manufacturing productivity by up to 40% within the next decade, significantly boosting the sector’s contribution to Kenya’s economic growth.