CS for Investment, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui commended the opening of K-Elec Kenya, a Korean Technology Company, as a bold step in Kenya’s local industrialization.
Speaking on Thursday at Sarin Industrial Park, Nairobi, he called on investors to leverage Kenya’s domestic and continental markets while emphasizing value addition, multi-generational business growth, and government support for creating employment and boosting electronics manufacturing in East Africa.
“Kenya has turned its markets into a playing field for other people. When you hear about unemployment and poverty, it should not surprise you,” Kinyanjui said.
He challenged Kenyans to focus on local production and value addition as the true path to economic growth. “The first conversation we must have is, how can we produce here?” he stressed.
The CS highlighted the scale of opportunity beyond Kenya’s 50 million population, pointing to regional and continental markets. “Within East Africa, we are 300 million people. Now we are in the Africa Free Trade Area, another 1.4 billion people. Set your eyes beyond Kenya, and we’ll be there to support you in everything you do,” he said.
Kinyanjui praised the courage of investors like Nam, the Founder of K-Elec Kenya and David Langat, the President, DL Group of Companies, noting that successful conversion of inquiries and leads into actual investment is a model for others.
“We salute you for taking that courageous step to show the way,” he said, referencing the journey from the Korea Business Forum to the signing of K-Elec deal.
K-Elec Kenya is a Korean Technology Company that has opened its market in Kenya to ensure that electronic and beauty products are made here locally and sold to the Kenyan consumers.
State Department for Investment Promotion PS, Abubakar Hassan echoed these sentiments, promising government support for expanding business across the continent.
“We are committing to give you enough world-class aftercare services so that we can expand this business to the region and to Africa,” he said.
PS for Immigration and Citizen Services, Belio Kipsang highlighted the role of youth and innovation in Kenya’s industrial future.
“This is how we build our country and make a difference for tomorrow. We want to ensure that discussions are progressed and that facilitation for investors is seamless,” he said.
PS for ICT and Digital Economy John Tanui described K-Elec as a landmark project in Kenya’s electronics sector.
“Today, we are launching new products and setting the path for first-world standards in manufacturing. This creates quality jobs and opportunities for our youthful population,” he said, in acknowledgement of President Ruto's vision of steering Kenya to a world-class nation.
Also speaking at the event was Chairman of Kass Media Group, Joshua Chepkwony who pointed to the strong market potential.
“The demand for electronics is continuous, with short product cycles driving growth. Industrialization through electronics can significantly increase employment and value addition in Kenya,” he noted.
The President, DL Group of Companies, David Langat, highlighted the potential of youths in industrialisation, as he reflected on his past accounts of doing the electronic business at the port of Mombasa.
He reaffirmed that industrialisation is the only way to go, highlighting that K-Elec will go full production in the next two to three years, reaching the East Africa markets and expanding with many branches.
CEO and founder of K-Elec Kenya, Nam Kyo Jung, emphasized the company’s vision to build a hub for electronics manufacturing in East Africa.
“We establish the Korean standard of quality here, bringing global expertise to train Kenyan talent. This is our first step, and we promise perfect quality, innovation, and growth together,” he said.
South Korea’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E Kang Hyung-shik, praised the venture as a milestone in bilateral cooperation.
“K-Elec is expected to strengthen Kenya’s electronic manufacturing capacity, enhance value addition, and generate employment opportunities. Korea is ready to share its experience and know-how to support Kenya’s economic success,” he said.
The launch of K-Elec Kenya signals a turning point in the country’s industrial development. Leaders agreed that the factory will inspire further investment, create multi-generational business opportunities, and position Kenya as a hub for electronics in East Africa.
