As such, 78 percent of manufacturers' top priority is reducing costs, 61 percent are keen on job retention with 53 percent giving precedence to improving cash flows.

Despite fears of the impact of the pandemic on local industry, 81 percent of manufacturers say they are not likely to close as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

"It is important to assess the impact of COVID-19 on businesses so as to work with various partners and stakeholders, including the government to develop appropriate policies that will cushion the economy from the adverse effects of COVID-19 as well as minimize job losses.

The report findings shall guide us as we engage the government in developing additional measures to further mitigate the adverse impact COVID-19 has had on businesses," said Gudka.

The survey targeted manufacturers under the KAM Membership base and mainly focused on employment, business resilience, the impact of the economic stimulus package announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta and proposals to further cushion the economy from the adverse effects of the pandemic.