FedEx, Manufacturers Push for Smarter Logistics to Power Kenya’s Industrial Growth

FedEx has partnered with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) to rally industry leaders around the role of advanced logistics in accelerating Kenya’s manufacturing ambitions.

At a high-level Industry CEOs Breakfast, executives, policymakers, and logistics specialists examined how improving transport speed, reliability, and system integration could help local manufacturers compete more effectively in global markets.

The discussions come as Kenya works toward increasing manufacturing’s share of GDP from 7.3 percent in 2025 to 20 percent by 2030, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.

Opening the forum, KAM Chief Executive Tobias Alando cautioned that global geopolitical tensions are already straining supply chains, raising trade costs, and complicating market access for Kenyan producers.

“Beyond global developments, structural factors within the logistics ecosystem, including regulatory requirements and infrastructure capacity, continue to shape the competitiveness of locally manufactured goods,” he said.

FedEx’s Sub-Saharan Africa Sales Managing Director, Leon Bruwer, underscored Kenya’s importance within the company’s African network, noting that it is one of only nine markets on the continent served directly by FedEx.

He said ongoing investments in air freight capacity and global connectivity are enabling Kenyan businesses to reach international markets faster and more predictably.

Industry players highlighted Kenya’s established success in exporting perishable goods such as tea and cut flowers, where speed and reliability are critical. They noted that as the country expands into higher-value sectors—including pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive, and agribusiness—the need for precision logistics will become even more pronounced.

Participants also pointed to existing gaps, particularly in making air freight solutions more accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form a significant portion of Kenya’s manufacturing base.

FedEx indicated it is addressing some of these challenges through digital innovations and streamlined customs processes aimed at simplifying cross-border trade and reducing barriers for exporters.

The forum closed with a joint commitment from FedEx and KAM to strengthen collaboration in support of Kenya’s industrialization agenda, with a focus on enhancing logistics efficiency, expanding global market access, and boosting the competitiveness of Kenyan manufacturers.