CS Matiang’i gives Kitui County first-ever textile industry major boost

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Mtiang‘i has maintained that the national government will support Kitui governor Charity Ngilu’s textile factory to ensure its success.

Dr Matiang‘i on Wednesday inspected the Kitui County Textile Centre (KICOTEC), the first ever garment factory by a County government in Kenya.

The CS tweeted:

‘My colleague @SicilyKariuki and I had an opportunity to inspect KICOTEC factory and other projects which Gov. @mamangilu is undertaking in Kitui. The National Government will continue supporting her in advancing the impressive work she’s doing in line with the Big Four agenda.’

My colleague @SicilyKariuki and I had an opportunity to inspect KICOTEC factory and other projects which Gov. @mamangilu is undertaking in Kitui. The National Government will continue supporting her in advancing the impressive work she's doing in line with the Big Four agenda. pic.twitter.com/22E35mcaV3

— Dr. Fred Matiang'i (@FredMatiangi) April 24, 2019

The centre is expected to employ over 600 people and is aimed at increasing Youth skills development and wealth creation for Kitui County.

Ngilu says the factory will reduce the cost of garments and increase revenue for the county.

“Over 90 percent of garment money leaves Kitui to Nairobi, Thika, Kiambu since we lack a uniform making factory here. KICOTEC seeks to cure this situation”. She said.

While boosting the county’s revenue, KICOTEC will see the county also support the other services like provision of clean water, affordable healthcare and education.

She said KICOTEC will also grow the service industry in Kitui and that the fabric, materials and accessories needed for the factory will be sourced from the county, therefore, growing local distributors.

“With an average of 486,000 students in both primary and secondary schools, the county will increase revenue by Sh2billion annually,” she said.

She added that buying local products would mean Kitui will essentially support local businesses to grow especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which accounts a majority of the county’s income.

Post your reactions/comments here. Please hit like and share the article.