Foreign Direct Investment and Firm Level Productivity in Kenyan Manufacturing: A Panel Data Analysis

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Geoffrey G. Gachino

Abstract

This paper uses panel data to examine the effects of foreign presence on frm level productivity in the Kenyan manufacturing industry employing “traditional†and “recent†methodologies using the production function framework. The results show that foreign frms dominated in virtually all the economic activities, including productivity performance. The analysis of productivity determinants using a technologically profound approach produced a statistically signifcant role played by foreign presence on frm level productivity, thus supporting the occurrence of spillovers. The paper argues that the use of productivity based methodologies largely masks the nature, actual processes and mechanisms through which spillovers occur. The paper, therefore, advocates a “paradigm shift†in the spillover analysis techniques and recommends a broader approach with particular emphasis on technological innovations which takes into consideration learning, capability building and innovation.

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