ylvanus Maritim has officially taken over as the Chairperson of the Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), assuming office on 16th May 2025. His appointment marks a critical step in the government’s push to bolster inclusive industrialisation under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
During a special Board meeting this week, KIE welcomed Maritim with a renewed commitment to advancing the institution’s strategic objectives. His leadership comes at a time when Kenya is intensifying efforts to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as a pathway to national economic transformation.
KIE is set to play a pivotal role in the rollout of the County Industrial Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), a flagship BETA initiative. These parks, to be established across all 47 counties, aim to create accessible industrial hubs offering shared technical services, incubation support, and common-use facilities. These ingredients are key to nurturing MSMEs into competitive medium and large-scale enterprises.
Maritim’s leadership is expected to strengthen KIE’s model of industrial clustering, which includes affordable incubation sheds and long-term development financing for entrepreneurs. These interventions are designed to support MSMEs to scale operations, innovate, and expand their market reach—ultimately contributing to increased manufacturing output and job creation across the country.
Speaking during the board meeting, Maritim expressed his gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a dynamic and sustainable industrial sector. “Through partnerships, innovation, and strategic support to our MSMEs, we will unlock new growth opportunities, empower our entrepreneurs, and contribute to the realisation of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and beyond,” he stated.
He pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Co-operatives and MSME Development, county governments, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to advance KIE’s mission.
The appointment signals a fresh chapter for KIE as it repositions itself as a key enabler of rural industrialisation and economic empowerment. With CAIPs expected to serve as springboards for industrial growth in every county, Maritim’s leadership will be central to delivering inclusive and sustainable economic progress across Kenya.
