KENYA – The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Board has appointed Mr. Anthony Mwangi as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective 15th September 2022.

Mwangi will take over from Acting CEO Tobias Alando, who took office in July after Phyllis Wakiaga’s exit.

With the executive reshuffling, Alando has been appointed the Chief Operating Officer (COO), responsible for managing the association’s day-to-day administrative and operational functions, designing members’ services and strategic development.

He will also be in charge of implementing policies aimed to promote good company culture to steer the asociation into a world-class Business Membership Organization (BMO).

The newly appointed company head, Mr Mwangi has over 20 years of work experience and brings on board a wealth of expertise in public policy, government relations, stakeholder engagement, communications and business development, cutting across the Transportation, ICT, Aviation, and Oil and Gas industries.

He has previously worked at Bolt, Tullow Oil, IBM and Kenya Airways in various capacities.

Highlighting his commitment to steering the association in advocating for an enabling business environment Mr Mwangi expressed his excitement to take up the new role.

“I shall work closely with all stakeholders to increase the efficiency and productivity of the local manufacturing sector, drive export-led growth, reduce the regulatory burden and ease the cost of doing business and advocate for a stable and predictable tax environment and policy,” he stated.

He has a Masters’ Degree in Public Policy and Management from Strathmore Business School, a Bachelor’s degree from University of Nairobi and a Certificate of Public Policy from New York University (NYU). 

Speaking on Mr Mwangi’s appointment, KAM’s recently appointed Chairman, Rajan Shah expressed his optimism, saying, “We are excited to have Mr Mwangi on board, following a rigorous recruitment process. 

“Our focus remains on efficient service delivery to our Members and advocating for an enabling environment for a competitive manufacturing sector.”

Mr Shah, CEO of Capwell Industries took office in July to lead the organization for a two-year term.

Prior to assuming the Chairmanship role from Mucai Kunyiha, he was KAM’s Vice Chair from June 2020.

To succeed Mr Shah on his previous role is Ms Jane Karuku, the East African Breweries Limited Group Managing Director and CEO.

The new Chairman will focus on pushing for predictability in fiscal and legislative regulations and supporting SME growth through policy advocacy and business development.

Mr Shah is also keen on driving Kaizen (continuous improvement), the uptake of automation by local manufacturers and increasing the export intensity of Kenya’s manufacturing sector.

This will enable local manufacturers to take advantage of market opportunities in the East African Community (EAC) and Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), among other export markets.

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