Coastal Counties Stakeholders Propose Reforms to Strengthen Kenya’s Industrialization Agenda

At Takaye Social Hall in Malindi, the State Department for Industry (SDI), in collaboration with Afritrade Consulting Group, conducted a public participation forum on the Draft National Industrialization Policy (NIP) 2026, bringing together stakeholders from Tana River, Kilifi and Lamu counties to contribute to the development of Kenya’s industrialization agenda.

The stakeholders proposed measures to accelerate industrial growth, including establishing innovation funds, introducing agricultural hubs in universities, supporting youth-led enterprises and simplifying product certification processes by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to enable local businesses to access markets more easily.

Participants emphasised the need to commercialise locally available agricultural products such as cassava, coconut, moringa, cashew nuts, mangoes and sesame through value addition. They also called for blended financing, improved access to credit, loan security and grants in the form of machinery and equipment to support young entrepreneurs and the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The forum further highlighted the need to provide access to land for agribusiness, particularly for value addition and export, promote clean energy, and strengthen technical skills among small-scale processors. Stakeholders also called for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of government projects, recognition of the Jua Kali sector in public projects, and targeted interventions to address poverty.

In promoting inclusive industrialisation, participants underscored the importance of creating market opportunities for products made by persons with disabilities (PWDs), including shoes, garments and other locally manufactured goods.

Representing the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Industry, Director Stanley Koskei chaired the engagement, acknowledged the contributions made and encouraged stakeholders to submit further comments through the link provided on the NIP website.

Mr. Koskei reaffirmed the importance of public participation in policy formulation in line with Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which enshrines public participation, transparency and accountability as national values and principles of governance. He also emphasised the need for transparency in public service and reiterated the State Department’s commitment to an open-door policy that promotes continued engagement with stakeholders.

Also in attendance were representatives of the Kilifi County Government, the Regional Industrial Development Officer (RIDO) from Mombasa County, youth representatives, Tupande Kenya and One Acre Fund.

The consultations seek to ensure that the Draft National Industrialization Policy incorporates views from diverse stakeholders and provides a responsive framework for sustainable industrial growth, job creation and enhanced value addition across the country.