Tobias Alando, Director General of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), visited Mabati Rolling Mills Ltd., one of Kenya’s major metal products manufacturers, where he met with the company’s CEO, Albert Sigei, and toured the production facility.
During the visit, operational challenges facing Kenya’s Metal and Allied Products Sector and policy measures aimed at strengthening the sector’s competitiveness were discussed.
Non-compliant products negatively affect manufacturers
One of the main issues raised by KAM was the presence in the market of products that do not comply with standards and fail to meet conformity requirements. The association stated that these products negatively affect local manufacturers that produce in compliance with standards and distort competitive conditions.
KAM also drew attention to unfair competition arising from imported roofing products. According to the association, significant quantities of imported roofing products enter the Kenyan market without meeting the required standards. KAM emphasized that imported and locally manufactured products should be subject to the same standards and inspection requirements.
Delays in VAT refunds, which affect manufacturers’ cash flow and working capital, were also discussed during the meetings. KAM called for a more predictable and automated VAT refund system, as well as increased budget allocations for refunds.
KAM stated that it will continue working with relevant stakeholders to support local manufacturing in Kenya, strengthen market surveillance, and establish a level playing field among manufacturers.
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