Uasin Gishu gubernatorial aspirant and businessman Willy Kenei has intensified his push for industrialisation and value addition, saying Kenya must focus on expanding manufacturing to create jobs, attract investors, and increase exports.
Kenei spoke on October 15, 2026, after attending a board meeting of the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), where he serves as Chairman of the Strategy and Business Development Committee.
According to Kenei, the meeting focused on strategies aimed at strengthening Kenya’s manufacturing sector and positioning the country as a leading export and industrial hub in the region.
“Manufacturing plays a critical role in creating employment opportunities for Kenyans, attracting Foreign Direct Investment and strengthening our economy,” Kenei said.
“By adding value to locally available raw materials, particularly in agriculture, textiles and apparel, we can expand local industries, support farmers and producers, and increase the export of finished products,” he added.
The businessman and politician noted that industrial growth remains one of the most effective ways of addressing unemployment, especially among young people. He said EPZA continues to play a crucial role in attracting investors through incentives and a conducive business environment designed to support export-oriented industries.
“EPZA’s incentives and supportive investment environment are instrumental in attracting investors, encouraging industrial growth and positioning Kenya as a competitive manufacturing and export hub,” he stated, further adding that “Our focus remains on promoting investment, strengthening local industries, creating jobs for our people and building a more productive, competitive and prosperous Kenya.”
Industrialisation at the Centre of Kenya’s Development Agenda
Kenei’s remarks come at a time when industrialisation remains a key pillar of Kenya’s economic transformation strategy.
The Export Processing Zones Authority was established in 1990 to promote and facilitate export-oriented investments and develop an enabling environment for manufacturers targeting international markets. EPZA says its mandate is to attract investment, create employment and boost exports through special incentives for investors.
Kenya Vision 2030 identifies manufacturing as one of the sectors expected to drive economic growth and transform the country into a newly industrialising middle-income economy. The government has consistently emphasised value addition in agriculture, textiles, leather, and agro-processing as a way of increasing incomes and creating jobs.
According to the latest Kenya Manufacturing Sector Profile, the manufacturing sector currently contributes about 7.2 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, with the government targeting growth beyond 20 per cent by 2030 through increased investment, industrial parks and export-oriented production.
EPZA data also shows that the number of Export Processing Zones increased from 91 in March 2023 to 101 in March 2024, while enterprises operating under the programme rose from 157 to 174 during the same period, reflecting growing investor interest in the sector.
Why industrial parks matter for Uasin Gishu
Kenei has previously advocated for the establishment of industrial parks in Uasin Gishu, arguing that value addition in agriculture can help farmers earn more while creating jobs for local youth.
With Uasin Gishu being one of Kenya’s leading agricultural counties, industrialisation through agro-processing, manufacturing and export-oriented industries could significantly enhance economic opportunities and reduce dependence on raw commodity sales.
His latest remarks signal an effort to align local development goals with national industrialisation policies aimed at increasing production, exports and employment.
