The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has partnered with e-commerce players in Kenya to boost access of manufacturing SMEs to local and international markets through e-commerce.
This is in the wake of low uptake of e-commerce in Kenya despite its immense benefits.
The partnership, therefore, seeks to promote the uptake of e-commerce by SMEs to enable them to gain access to global markets and new international customers and reinventing their business models to align with changing technologies.
Speaking at the inaugural event, KAM Board Member and SME Hub Chair, Ms Ciiru Waithaka noted that the increased attention on SME growth, both at a national and global scale, points to a reckoning that the future of business hinges on their success.
“The unique and dynamic nature of SMEs in the manufacturing sector calls for an adaptive approach in developing policies and interventions that most importantly centres their needs and proposed solutions in the process. Our partnership will enable us to develop locally rooted, user-driven e-commerce solutions for manufacturing SMEs to drive their global competitiveness. It is through partnerships such as these that we can grow small and medium industries to be substantial players in our country’s vision for sustainable economic growth,” she added.
Jumia Kenya Managing Director, Mr Sam Chappatte noted that despite good internet connectivity, Kenya’s e-commerce uptake still remains low. “Our mission is to leverage technology to grow markets and build marketplaces that solve everyday problems. E-commerce is a fast-growing, low-cost sales channel. We are excited to partner with KAM to support SME growth,” he added.
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Also present at the forum, DHL Express Kenya Country Manager, Mr Andrew Mutuma noted:“International e-commerce is growing at a remarkable pace, and we want our Kenyan businesses to grab their share of the market that means adding value to their e-commerce proposition. We are convinced that cross border e-commerce has a huge upside that many merchants B2C and B2B have not yet tapped. As the international express provider of choice for e-commerce customers, our aim is to support web sellers as they go global.”
The E-commerce players include Amari Consulting, Jumia Kenya and DHL Express, Grofin Kenya and Amitruck.
KAM recently launched a Manufacturing SME Hub geared towards uplifting micro, small and medium businesses in value addition towards achieving the 15% targeted growth of the sector by 2022.
The Hub advocates for a conducive business environment for SMEs, taking into account their specialized needs and aims to work with partners to develop frameworks that will nurture and encourage their growth.
This is coupled with the resources to offer business rescue advice and business diagnostics.
