New police reforms were launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in September, which were scheduled to take effect this month, December. Among the reforms set to take effect are the new police uniforms. We have already seen inspector General of police Joseph Boinett stepping out in the new outfit. However, the question of who to supply the uniforms has been raised by Kenyans, with some speculating that the new uniforms were to be imported.
Where did you first think the uniforms will be imported from? China? Well, Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has come out to refute the claims, going further to reveal the tailors of the uniforms.
.@FredMatiangi: We will NOT import the police uniforms from any other country, we want to support our local industry. #TheDailyBrief w/ @SamWNjoroge pic.twitter.com/ST5hJ4h2Gx
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) December 18, 2018
Matiang’i who was speaking to journalists on Tuesday at KICD cited that the government will not import new police uniforms. He said the clothes are set to be made by tailors at the National Youth Service.
INTERIOR CS Fred Matiang’i says government will not import new police uniforms; clothes to be made by tailors at the National Youth Service. pic.twitter.com/rBwEhIdzjD
— NationBreakingNews (@NationBreaking) December 18, 2018
Details had earlier on emerged that the government is lacking enough materials to make the new uniforms. The Interior CS in his address condemned the claims, terming it as outrageous.
“Isn’t it simply outrageous that someone is saying we don’t have material in Kenya with the kind of textile we have!” cited Matiang’i.
.@FredMatiangi: Isn’t it simply outrageous that someone is saying we don’t have material in Kenya with the kind of textile we have! #TheDailyBrief w/ @SamWNjoroge pic.twitter.com/0i9aBogfhf
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) December 18, 2018
Matiang’i had been accompanied by Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia who addressed among other issues transport during this holiday season, reiterating on the crackdown on non-compliant Public Service Vehicles.