Foreign Development Assistance in Kenya’s Manufacturing Sector: In the Interest of Development Partners or For Mutual benefit?

African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, Vol. 10 (2), 107-116, 2023


Authors: Winnie Rugutt1, Maria Nzomo2 and Pontian Godfrey Okoth3

 1 &2 Department of Diplomacy and International Studies,

University of Nairobi, Kenya, P. O. Box 30197-01000,

Nairobi, Kenya.

3 Department of Peace and Conflict Studies,

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

P.O. Box 190 – 50100 Kakamega – Kenya

Author Email: wrugutt@uonbi.ac.ke

 Abstract: This article delves into the role of foreign development assistance in Kenya’s manufacturing sector, analyzing motivations, outcomes, and mutual gains. Against the backdrop of historical financing limitations in African countries’ manufacturing sector, development aid has emerged as a pivotal instrument, addressing the limited domestic resources for economic growth. Foreign development assistance on Kenya’s manufacturing growth has had mixed outcomes. On one hand, it has enabled the construction of critical infrastructure and technology provision while on the other hand, it has fostered unintended repercussions. The promotion of competitive imports through foreign aid agreements and conditionality has triggered intense competition for local products, prompting the closure of local manufacturers unable to withstand foreign competition. Despite Kenya’s strides, the manufacturing sector’s potential remains untapped, as the nation relies predominantly on exporting primary resources and importing essential goods. The findings of this article reveal that foreign aid to Kenya’s manufacturing sector is frequently aligned with development partners’ national interests, facilitating technology, knowledge, and resource transfer. This article underscores the need for strategic global alliances that align with the interests of Kenyan manufacturers, thereby fostering sustainable economic advancement.

Keywords: Foreign development assistance, Development Partners, Kenya Manufacturing Sector, Development Partners interests, foreign assistance, Kenya Manufacturing assistance, Development Partners mutual benefits

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Suggested Citation

Rugutt, W.C., Nzomo, M., &Okoth, P.G (2023). Foreign Development Assistance in Kenya’s Manufacturing: In the Interest of Development Partners or For Mutual benefit? African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 10(2), 107-116. Available online at http://arjess.org/social-sciences-research/foreign-development-assistance-in-kenyas-manufacturing-sector-in-the-interest-of-development-partners-or-for-mutual-benefit.pdf

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