New Leadership Takes Over at KAM as Manufacturers Fight Rising Costs

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) elected Hitesh Mediratta as its new chairperson. He replaces Jane Karuku at a time when industrial players push for lower production costs, but stable tax policies remain a priority.

Mediratta will lead the industrial lobby for a two-year term. He previously served as the vice chairperson of the association since 2024, when the board moved him into the deputy role.

The new chairperson brings deep institutional memory to the position. He has served on the KAM board since 2020, providing extensive leadership experience across multiple economic cycles.

In his professional capacity, Mediratta has led PG Bison Kenya Limited for 21 years. Within the manufacturer lobby, he previously chaired the Timber and Furniture Sector.

He also served as the vice chair of the Trade and Tax Board Committee. His extensive background gives him a long view of what local producers need from national economic policies.

Speaking after his election, Mediratta framed his new appointment against a backdrop of global trade turbulence. He noted that international uncertainties continue to alter global supply chains and investment shifts.

However, he explained that these shifts provide a unique opening for Kenya and Africa. The continent can strengthen regional value chains, which will help local value addition, although industrial growth requires persistent policy reforms.

His immediate stated priorities focus closely on competitiveness and industrial fairness. He pledged to build on the existing advocacy record of the lobby by pushing for an equitable local playing field.

He wants Kenyan manufacturers to compete effectively both locally and globally. He committed to championing value chains where producers of every size get a real chance to grow and expand.

The association plans to continue working with government and industry stakeholders on economic reforms. Mediratta seeks practical, evidence-based solutions to the tax and policy problems that affect the sector.

The board also elected Mary-Ann Musangi as the new vice chairperson. She is the Managing Director of HACO Industries Kenya Limited and brings a distinct advocacy record to the role.

Musangi currently chairs the Women in Manufacturing (WIM) Programme within the lobby group. In that role, she has led initiatives covering leadership development, mentorship, and skills training.

The outgoing chairperson, Jane Karuku, will remain on the board as an ex officio member. She is the Group Managing Director of East African Breweries Plc (EABL).

Karuku leaves a legacy focused on expanding the sector's economic footprint. During her tenure, she focused on lifting the manufacturing contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 20 percent by 2030.

She was the second woman to chair the manufacturing board since its establishment in 1959. Her continued presence ensures that the leadership retains vital strategic guidance, which is crucial if the sector intends to hit its targets.

The transition comes as local builders and material producers navigate shifting infrastructure development landscapes. Industry observers expect the new leadership team to maintain a steady hand during policy dialogues.

The association continues to focus on unlocking new business opportunities across East Africa. Mediratta noted that continuous engagement remains central to delivering lasting value for all industrial stakeholders.