EABL CEO Jane Karuku has been picked as the new chairperson of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM).

Karuku, who has been serving as vice chairperson of KAM since 2022, takes over from Rajan Shah, whose term has ended.

“As I take up the mantle, I am looking forward to contributing to the growth of the Association in line with our purpose of creating prosperity for the Nation through sustainable industrialization,” the EABL CEO said.

“Cognizant of our ambition to grow the contribution of manufacturing to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 20% by 2030, it is clear we have a lot to do to lead the manufacturing sector towards this ambition.”

Karuku is the second woman to chair the KAM Board and has over 25 years of experience in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) as well as non-governmental organizations.

“Our first agenda is to industrialize this country and make sure that through KAM, industrialization is more significant than it has ever been,” she said.

“The second agenda is to meet members’ needs, thereby supporting them realize our purpose for industrialization,” she added.

“Thirdly, is to engage all our stakeholders in realizing our industrialization agenda. I am looking to build an organization that is inclusive internally and externally, including our membership and all other stakeholders.”

Hitesh Mediratta, the Managing Director for PG Bison (Kenya) Limited, has been appointed as the Vice Chairperson.

He has served on the KAM Board in various capacities, including providing strategic guidance on trade and tax matters affecting the manufacturing sector.

The outgoing chairman, Shah, will remain an ex-officio member of the board, playing an advisory role in directing the growth of the association.