The Plastic processing industry in Kenya

Abstract

The Kenyan Processing Industry produces inputs which are crucial for development for all economic sectors. To exemplify some of the problems less developed countries face during the development process, this research studied: (a) the importance of plastic material (b) the growth of the Kenyan ,plastics industry (c) the degree and causes of capacity under utilization, (d) machinery and differentiation, (e) mould making facilities, (f) imports of final goods and (g) exports. Empirical results show that the plastics industry has grown anarchistically and mainly produces packaging and consumer products rather than industrial components and parts. This asymmetric production prolongs import dependence on inputs and products. The study also shows (a ) that economic resources are grossly underutilized; (b) that much technically unnecessary machinery and product differentiation exist,and (c)that the industry lacks mould makers and is not training them. This study further proposes several ways of reducing dependence on imported inputs and outputs In order to create jobs and save foreign exchange. The measures proposed are: (a) non-fabrication of inappropriate products plastic sandels and ropes, (b) instituting a national co-operative to obtain bulk purchase and transportion discounts, (c) recycle plastic wastes and (e) pelletizing PVC. Also two feasibility studies on polyvinylchloride and low density polyethylene arc reviewed. Besides creating employment opportunities '"these proposals save about Kshs. 390 million per year. The study also points l to some possibilities for further exports