NAIROBI, Kenya, May 13 – The government has rolled out a new industrial mapping exercise in Nairobi to modernize the country’s industrial landscape and support targeted policymaking.
The 15-day mapping and geolocation initiative is being done by the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry and involves the collection of comprehensive data on the size, location, activities, and capacity of industries operating across the capital.
The mapping, which is also being conducted in collaboration with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), will span all 147 sub-counties in Nairobi as well as other parts of the country.
“This initiative marks a key milestone in our broader effort to revitalize and modernize Kenya’s industrial sector through evidence-based planning and policy-making,” said Karanja Njora, administration secretary at the State Department of Industry, during the flag-off ceremony.
The data collected will form the basis for the development of a national industrial database and directory, aimed at improving investment promotion, infrastructure development, and industrial upgrading.
“To realize our industrialization aspirations, there is need to develop a comprehensive database and directory. Mapping and documenting the state of manufacturing in Kenya will strategically position the sector.”
According to the government, Nairobi currently hosts 80 percent of the country’s industrial activity, with the remaining 20 percent spread across the rest of the country.
Metropolitan areas surrounding the capital, such as Kiambu County, account for a significant portion of this remaining share.
The government has set ambitious targets to grow the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the current 7.6 percent to 15 percent by 2027 and 20 percent by 2030.
Gatebe emphasized that mapping Kenya’s manufacturing capabilities is a critical step toward achieving these goals, as it will provide a clearer picture of the industry’s landscape and needs.
