The Kenyan apparel industry has played a major role in the country's economic development; however the sector's competitiveness has decreased due to inadequate industrial strategy and loss of global markets resultin...The Kenyan apparel industry has played a major role in the country's economic development; however the sector's competitiveness has decreased due to inadequate industrial strategy and loss of global markets resulting from elimination of quotas in 2005. China and other Asian countries' ability to produce quality products efficiently at lower comparative costs has been threatening apparel manufacturers in most developing countries in Africa. The purpose of this study is to analyse Kenya's apparel industry's current situation and to recommend some strategies for regaining business competitiveness in the apparel sector. This paper examines how apparel firms could develop competitive advantages in both local and global markets. It uses Porter's diamond and business value chain models as a basis of analysis for interpreting competitive factors within Kenya's apparel industry. In addition to extensive literature reviews, the paper provides in-depth overview of Kenya's apparel sector business dynamics and its relationships with local and global markets. Conclusions are drawn based on the analyses of Porter's theoretical models in relationship to Kenya's apparel industry business dynamics. Taking into account the global apparel business factors, recommendations are made on how the Kenya's apparel industry can regain business competitiveness.展开更多
文摘The Kenyan apparel industry has played a major role in the country's economic development; however the sector's competitiveness has decreased due to inadequate industrial strategy and loss of global markets resulting from elimination of quotas in 2005. China and other Asian countries' ability to produce quality products efficiently at lower comparative costs has been threatening apparel manufacturers in most developing countries in Africa. The purpose of this study is to analyse Kenya's apparel industry's current situation and to recommend some strategies for regaining business competitiveness in the apparel sector. This paper examines how apparel firms could develop competitive advantages in both local and global markets. It uses Porter's diamond and business value chain models as a basis of analysis for interpreting competitive factors within Kenya's apparel industry. In addition to extensive literature reviews, the paper provides in-depth overview of Kenya's apparel sector business dynamics and its relationships with local and global markets. Conclusions are drawn based on the analyses of Porter's theoretical models in relationship to Kenya's apparel industry business dynamics. Taking into account the global apparel business factors, recommendations are made on how the Kenya's apparel industry can regain business competitiveness.