German firm Stihl Group has announced plans to open its Kenyan office making Nairobi the company’s gateway to the East African market.
Stihl East Africa CEO, Francois Marais revealed the plans and said the firm which deals with agricultural and construction equipment is banking on Kenya’s vast infrastructure, booming construction and agricultural sectors as a launch pad for its products to the neighbouring countries.
The Nairobi office is set to be opened later this month. Kenya was chosen since it is region’s biggest economy, boasting a vast rail and road network that continues to attract multinational firms seeking to tap into the eastern and central African market.
Agriculture contribution
Agriculture contributes between 24 and 44% of the gross domestic product in the EAC partner states and accounts for the source of income for about 80% of the region’s population. The region is also undertaking grand infrastructural projects including building roads, and railways, and upgrading ports, offering a ready market for Stihl’s products.
“Our plan is to distribute our products from Kenya into the traditional East African Market which includes Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa countries,” said Mr. Francois Marais.
Stihl Group’s products include harvesters, chainsaws, tillers and sprayers. Kenya has also the years been experiencing a boom in the construction industry further offering Stihl Group a ready market for its products.
“Kenya is a stable and vibrant economy with a lot of growth potential, furthermore the local talent in Kenya has really allowed us to expand our business through their expertise and local insight,” Mr Marais added.
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