I think to stimulate local manufacturing we should start with the basics such as shoes, handkerchiefs, socks, shirts, underwear etc. Surely manufacturing these items isn't rocket science. Why export skins and hides to India and china and then import 'fake leather' shoes from them? I was shocked to find that that nearly all the shoes at Bata shops are made in India and China.

Does it mean that in year 2016, no single Kenyan can manage to manufacture a handkerchief and we have to import from china?

Even the masai shukas are all from china.

Most manufacturers world over shifted base to China over last 20 yrs, due to cheap labor and ready markets. In the new world order, only countries who specialise to exploit local advantages will thrive. Hence America is powered by weaponry and aerospace manufacturing while letting China take care of consumer goods. Even kenya should do soul searching to see where our advantages lie and concentrate efforts there rather than being Jack of all and master of none. If it doesn't make sense to manufacture toothpicks so be it

Given our current state of political dysfunction, this protectionism likely will not work in Kenya. Our corrupt leaders will force foreign companies to partner with companies that are well connected to political bigwigs. The resulting inefficiency will cause the cost of manufactured goods to skyrocket.

Plus Kenya lacks India's capacity and customer base. I.E. Unlike India which has a billion people, Kenya's customer base is not large enough to sustain a large investment. Therefore large investments must be export oriented.

If Kenyans want to fix manufacturing issues in Kenya we just need to go back to the basics mentioned in form three geography:

1. Build better infrastructure roads, railways, pipelines etc. The poor road network in western Kenya is one of the reasons the sugar industry is moribund.
1b. Get a reliable and cheap electricity supply. (reduce blackouts)
2. Address security: Investors want to feel safe.
3. Reduce corruption: Large corporations are wary of dealing with corrupt officials.
4. Offer tax breaks to corporations that set up in remote areas with lower labour costs. Nairobi is too crowded and labor costs high. Encourage corporations to set up elsewhere.

Our political discourse should be focused on issues such as the ones above. Do people want jobs and security or do they want a member of their tribe to be in power? I always wonder about Kenyans and their priorities.