NAIROBI, Kenya- In a significant leadership transition, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has named East African Breweries Managing Director Jane Karuku as its new chairperson.
Karuku, who has been serving as Vice Chairperson since July 2022, succeeds Rajan Shah. Her appointment marks a new chapter for KAM as she steps into the role for a two-year term.
In her inaugural address, Karuku emphasized her commitment to driving sustainable industrial growth in Kenya.
“Cognizant of our ambition to grow the contribution of manufacturing to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 20 percent by 2030, it is clear we have a lot to do to lead the manufacturing sector towards this ambition,” Karuku stated. Her vision aligns with KAM’s purpose of creating national prosperity through sustainable industrialization.
Karuku outlined three primary agendas for her term: advancing Kenya’s industrialization, growing KAM’s membership, and enhancing stakeholder engagement.
“Our first agenda is to industrialize this country and make sure that through KAM, industrialization is more significant than it has ever been. The second agenda is to meet members’ needs, thereby supporting them in realizing our purpose for industrialization,” she added.
She also stressed the importance of inclusivity within the organization and among stakeholders.
“I am looking to build an organization that is inclusive internally and externally, including our membership and all other stakeholders,” Karuku concluded.
Jane Karuku brings over 25 years of management experience in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and non-governmental organizations to her new role.
She is the second woman to chair the KAM board, reflecting the association’s commitment to diversity and gender equality.
Joining her in the leadership team is Hitesh Mediratta, the newly appointed Vice Chairperson and Managing Director for PG Bison (Kenya) Limited.
Mediratta has a history of providing strategic guidance on trade and tax matters affecting the manufacturing sector, making him a valuable addition to the board.
Outgoing Chairman Rajan Shah will remain an Ex-Officio member of the board, offering his expertise and advisory support to guide the association’s future growth.
