June 11, 2025

By Francis Kaloi  Introduction   Coffee is a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, ranking as the third-largest agricultural export, with its premium Arabica coffee prized globally for its distinct flavour and aroma. The subsector supports about 13 per cent of households, providing employment across the supply chain. However, production has declined by 70 per cent from […]

Lilian King’ori   Kenya’s Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Strategic Plan 2022-2027[1] provides a comprehensive approach to industrialization by leveraging on the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA to expand trade. The strategic plan aims to increase the manufacturing sector’s value added by 5 per cent annually from 7.8 per cent in 2022 through tariff liberalization and

By Maria Mbogo and Lenjo Mbala  Introduction  Welding is a vital activity in the informal manufacturing and construction sector, commonly referred to as Jua Kali, meaning ‘hot sun’. This industry includes the joining of metallic items or thermoplastics, with welders providing innovative products and solutions such as metallic doors, windows, boxes, hinges, buckets, aluminium cookware, chaff

Vincent Misango and Collins Wanjala  Introduction Wool, a natural fiber from sheep, is a valuable, durable, and versatile raw material for the textile and apparel industry. Wool production is concentrated in the highland and medium regions, where favourable climatic conditions support sheep farming, including Merino, Corriedale, and Dorset Horn breeds. Unlocking the potential of the

By Julia Otieno and Frankline Abuga Introduction The hybrid working model combines remote work with traditional office-based work, offering flexibility that allows employees to work from home or in the office based on their arrangement with employers. This model has transformed the workplace, necessitating firms to provide technological tools such as laptops and software to

By Silvanus Opiyo  Introduction  Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is the computerized system for capturing, storing, retrieving, analyzing and displaying spatial data about land and environmental spaces using modern information technology. GIS has been in use since 1854 when the city of London was hit with cholera, necessitating mapping of outbreak areas, roads, property boundaries and

By Kennedy Musyoka and Festus Malombe  Introduction  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers to the regulatory framework and standards that govern workplace safety and health to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. OSHA, in the construction sector, is crucial for establishing guidelines and regulations that ensure safe working conditions, promote workers’ health, and foster

By Antony Mwaura and Maria Mbogo Introduction The potato farming is a significant pillar in Kenya’s agricultural sector, ranking as the second most significant crop after maize, and employing more than 3.5 million people along the value chain. Cultivated by approximately 800,000 smallholder farmers across 120,000–150,000 hectares, potatoes contribute significantly to food security, rural incomes,

By Anne Gitonga  Sustainable Development Goal No. 9 is about leveraging innovation for dynamic and competitive economic development, employment generation, and income generation. The EAC Vision 2050 and the Kenya Vision 2030 identify Science, Technology, and Innovation as a driver of economic growth and sustainable development. MSEs are drivers of innovation. They, however, experience constraints

By Julia Otieno and Jeremiah Darso Introduction Palm oil accounts for over 90 per cent of Kenya’s vegetable oil and supports 17 million livelihoods. It is a profitable crop in consumer products including margarine, soap and ice cream. Its output has grown over 500 per cent since 1960. While Kenya has great potential for local