(MANUFACTURING) Phyllis Wakiaga’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the development of Africa’s industrial landscape.
She is the senior Private Sector Development Advisor at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
Phyllis served as the CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) from 2015 – 2022.
She stands at the forefront of efforts to transform Kenya’s manufacturing sector and, by extension, Africa’s economic future.
Her story begins in Kenya, where Phyllis grew up with an eye for innovation.
She was always fascinated by the potential of industries to create jobs, improve living standards, and transform entire communities.
A lover of law and justice, she studied Law at the University of Nairobi, graduating with a Bachelor of Law in 2005.
In the same university, she majored in International Trade and Investment where she obtained a Master of Law. She also has two diplomas and more Masters in other courses, business administration included.
She honed her skills in business and gained a deeper understanding of how economies work.
But what really set her apart was her commitment to using her knowledge to create real, tangible change in Africa.
In 2015, Phyllis was appointed as the CEO of KAM, a role that would allow her to shape Kenya’s manufacturing policy and provide a voice for local manufacturers.
The challenges she faced were numerous—high production costs, low levels of industrialization, and the need for regulatory reforms to promote a more competitive environment for manufacturers.
But Phyllis didn’t shy away from the challenge; instead, she rolled up her sleeves and worked tirelessly to drive solutions.
Advocating for a more favorable policy framework for manufacturers in Kenya can be noted as one of Phyllis’s most notable contributions. Under her leadership, KAM has been at the forefront of pushing for the implementation of policies that enhance the ease of doing business, improve infrastructure, and provide local manufacturers with the tools they need to compete in an increasingly globalized world.
Beyond policy work, Phyllis is deeply passionate about fostering entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for young people.
She firmly believes that manufacturing holds the key to addressing many of Africa’s most pressing challenges—unemployment, poverty, and the need for sustainable economic growth.
Through her leadership, KAM has become a platform for manufacturers to network, learn, and grow, contributing to the wider vision of a thriving industrial sector in Kenya.
Her inclusivity makes her stand out among her peers. She advocates for a manufacturing sector that supports both big and small businesses, recognizing that growth comes from collaboration, not competition.
Her belief in the power of teamwork and collective action has helped foster a community of innovators who are committed to making Kenya’s manufacturing sector one of the strongest in Africa.
Phyllis Wakiaga is more than just a CEO. She is a visionary, a leader, and a true advocate for the future of African industries. Her work is a reminder that, with determination and a clear vision, we can build a brighter future for Africa—one industry at a time.
