Kenyan food manufacturers are pressing the government for reforms to lower taxes, streamline regulations and improve logistics. They argue that these hurdles limit the competitiveness of locally processed products. The concerns were voiced at the inaugural FoodPro East Africa 2026 summit in Nairobi. Producers and policymakers gathered to discuss ways to accelerate industrialisation through food processing and innovation. The summit runs through October 8.
Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana of the State Department for Industry stressed that Kenya must move beyond exporting raw agricultural commodities. He highlighted the need to invest in processing to capture more value from its produce. Agriculture accounts for about 26 percent of Kenya’s GDP. Value-addition is a key lever for expanding manufacturing, creating jobs and raising export earnings.
Mukhwana pointed to Kenya’s expanding network of trade agreements with China, the UK, the EU, the UAE and regional blocs such as AfCFTA, COMESA and the EAC. These agreements could open markets for higher-value products. However, former Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) chairman Rajan Shah warned that market access alone will not boost exports. Domestic producers must compete on cost, quality and policy predictability.
Shah argued that frequent policy changes create uncertainty for investors. Investors typically plan over 15-20-year horizons, and capital cannot navigate such instability. KAM chief executive Tobias Alando said the three-day exhibition provides manufacturers with access to processing technologies, partnerships and markets. These are needed to translate value-addition discussions into concrete investments.
Alando added that shifting from raw commodity exports to processing, packaging and branding would deepen domestic supply chains. This would create skilled jobs and expand Kenya’s presence in international markets. The FoodPro summit brings together manufacturers, technology providers, buyers and investors. The theme is “Industrialising East Africa Through Value Addition”.
Industry leaders at FoodPro East Africa 2026 called for policy overhaul to boost Kenya’s food-processing exports. They urged the government to address the challenges faced by the sector. The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss solutions.
The policy overhaul is expected to have a positive impact on Kenya’s economy. The country aims to increase its export earnings through value-addition. The government and industry leaders are working together to implement the necessary reforms.
Key points
- Kenyan food manufacturers call for lower taxes, clearer regulations and better logistics to boost exports.
- The country aims to increase its export earnings through value-addition.
- The policy overhaul is expected to have a positive impact on Kenya’s economy.
