Investors have the opportunity to invest in the manufacturing of furniture in Kenya. Secondary wood processing in Kenya is not developed to its full potential and there are prospects to expand the use of modern technology for increased furniture production.
Many saw millers in Kenya combine the process of timber production and the manufacturing of furniture and joinery production. Most companies belong either to the small and informal sector.
According to Trade Invest Kenya, the country’s forests are found in the Rift Valley, which accounts for almost half the forest cover in the country, followed by the Coast Province with slightly over a fith of the national forest cover. About 771 672 m2 of Kenya’s timber is used for the manufacturing of furniture annually.
Reasons that make Kenya an ideal ground for investment include its geographical location. The wood industry is supported by various investor friendly factors that include labour. The country has an abundant supply of affordable labour which is needed for any agricultural based industry.
Kenya’s membership to regional trade bodies such as COMESA, the African Union and the East African Community provides potential investors with a large market for their products.
It’s advantage also borders on investment insurance. As a member of MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency), ATIA (Africa Trade Insurance Agency) and ICSD (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes) the country provides potential investors with insurance against a wide range of non-commercial risks.
Envied by many, the country has also a good quality life. Kenya hosts a number of international organizations and foreign embassies and provides very good and up to standard living conditions for foreign investors willing to reside in Kenya.
