Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, in collaboration with Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), convened a high-level Industry CEOs Breakfast, highlighting how time-definite logistics can unlock Kenya’s manufacturing growth and export competitiveness.
The engagement comes at a pivotal moment for Kenya’s industrial sector, as the country seeks to increase manufacturing’s contribution to GDP from 7.3% (KNBS, 2025) to 20% by 2030. As global supply chains continue to evolve alongside shifting logistics cost dynamics, industry leaders underscored the importance of enhancing the speed, reliability, and integration of transport solutions.
The forum brought together senior executives, policymakers, and logistics experts to examine how Kenya can strengthen its position in time-sensitive, high-value industries such as pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, and agribusiness.
Opening the session, KAM Chief Executive Tobias Alando indicated that ongoing geopolitical tensions are already placing significant strain on manufacturers, increasing the cost of trade and disrupting established supply routes.
“Global dynamics continue to affect the manufacturing sector in Kenya. Beyond global developments, structural factors within the logistics ecosystem, such as regulatory requirements and infrastructure capacity, play a role in shaping the competitiveness of locally manufactured goods in regional and international markets,” said Mr. Alando.
Leon Bruwer, Managing Director of Sales for Sub-Saharan Africa at FedEx, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Kenya, noting that its designation as one of only nine direct-serve markets in Africa reflects a strategic focus on the country’s trade and investment potential.
He noted, “Kenya is a strategic player in our growth story in Africa. Our continued investment in capacity to and from Nairobi, combined with our global air network, enables businesses to access international markets with greater speed, reliability and predictability.
Kenya’s strong global position in perishable exports such as tea and flowers already demonstrates the value of speed and reliability in logistics. As the country expands into higher-value manufacturing, precision logistics – enabled by integrated global air networks – will become increasingly central to maintaining product integrity, reducing lead times, and meeting international market demands.
However, stakeholders noted that while air freight offers unmatched speed and reliability, there is an opportunity for policymakers and industry players to further enhance its accessibility and commercial viability for SMEs across African trade routes.
FedEx is also enhancing cross-border trade through digital solutions and streamlined customs processes, enabling Kenyan businesses, particularly SMEs, to navigate international logistics more efficiently and scale globally.
The forum concluded with a shared commitment from FedEx and KAM to deepen collaboration in support of Kenya’s manufacturing ecosystem, with a focus on enhancing global connectivity, improving access to efficient logistics solutions, and enabling businesses to participate more competitively in international trade.
