On the 3^rd of April 2023, the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry hosted the first Technical Working Group (TWG) for High Priority Value Chains to discuss strategic interventions.

The high-priority value chains include; Textile, Edible Oils, Leather, Dairy, Tea, and Building & Construction. The value chains have been identified for special focus by the government for their capacity and untapped opportunities to create jobs and impact Kenyans at the bottom of the economic pyramid. KEPSA Value chain representatives were led by Vice Chair Dr Jas Bedi.

The technical working groups for each value chain were given a month to prepare a report and a workplan for implementation. The Technical Working Groups will focus on:

1.          Mapping and analysis of policy, regulatory and process structures

2.         Mapping and analysis of cost and market structures

3.         Identify priority areas of business and investment climate reforms action plans, and

4.        Profiling of bankable investment projects for promotion to local and foreign investors.

Cabinet Secretary Hon. Moses Kuria confirmed the government’s commitment to support local and international investors in the identified value chains to create jobs, create greater impact at the bottom of the pyramid and grow into globally competitive companies. This will result in a private sector that will grow Kenya’s GDP, increase exports by 30% and increase FDI to Kshs 10 Billion.

Dr Bedi welcomed the invitation by Hon Kuria to dedicate time to meet with local investors to discuss specific opportunities and growth plans and how the Ministry can unlock bottlenecks to business sustainability and growth. He confirmed that KEPSA is now focusing on competitiveness and confirmed the alignment with the Ministry priorities.

KEPSA members are invited to share proposed strategic interventions in the six value chains for onward forwarding to the technical working groups.