Prioritise value chains targeting animal products from the region, State told

GARISSA—A section of residents from North Eastern on Saturday shared their views on the proposed export and investment promotion levy during a public participation forum held at Garissa University.

Speaking during the forum, Abdirahman Burale, the secretary to the committee of the Garissa market, called on the government to prioritise value chains targeting animal products from the region.

More than 90 per cent of North Eastern residents depend on livestock — being the main source of their livelihood — to make a living.

“As a region, we are looking forward to having a value chain of meat products and leather products that are in plenty in our region. This will go a long way in empowering our people who are largely pastoralists,” Burale said.

Hassan Hussein, a pastoralist from Garissa, said the proposed levy will enhance a better level playing field for local manufacturers, who have struggled to compete with cheaper imports apart from deterring “dumping of substandard foreign goods.”

The participants welcomed the proposed levy, noting that it will help the region achieve the industrial goals as anchored in Vision 2030.

Peter Ochieng speaks at Garissa university where residents from North Eastern gave their views on the proposed export and investment promotion levy. (Courtesy)

Trade and Industry ministry has been holding countrywide public participation forums to get their views, give insights, provide feedback and ask questions about the proposed policy change.

The ambitious new levy will, among other things, support local manufacturing which will lead to an increase in the contribution of manufacturing to the gross domestic product, from the current seven per cent to 15 percent and 20 per cent by 2027 and 2030, respectively.

It will also support the export development which will in turn grow export from current annual growth of six per cent to more than 25 per cent targeted by the National Trade Policy.

It will also reduce the country’s reliance on foreign goods and services. By promoting local manufacturing, the government aims to create a self-sufficient economy that is less vulnerable to external economic shocks.

The government has also prioritised tea, coffee, textile value chain and the Blue Economy.

Peter Ochieng from the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency said the organisation has the mandate of developing and promoting Kenyan’s export of goods and services worldwide, noting that the levy will be two-sided.

It will help in product development and promote products manufactured in Kenya and exported to various markets

“As you are aware, Kenya depends on foreign investment and it will also be used to facilitate investment of foreign attraction. Taking the aspects of country promotion and attracting investors to come and invest in Kenya,” Ochieng said.

Julius Kirima from the State Department for Industrialisation said the levy was intended to promote Kenyan export and investments.

“The Kenyan government has prioritised manufacturing as one of the areas that it would want to see the country go focus more. The manufacturing has been known worldwide to be key driving economic growth and development. We intend to spur our manufacturing sector,” he said.

[The Star]