Matiang’i reveals the millions state has saved from making police uniforms locally

The former inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet will be remembered for initiating Police reforms. Among the reforms is the introduction of the new police Uniforms, which sparked a debate of the allocation of the tender.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i came out to clarify that the tender had been awarded a local firm. The National Youth Service as awarded the tender, but did you know the much the nation has saved?

The government is saving over Sh700m in the making of police uniforms locally as per the Interior CS.

Interior CS Fred Matiangi at NYS where police uniforms are being made on Monday, March 25, 2019.

“It is foolishness to spend our resources to import things we can get here in Kenya,” Matiang’i said.

Matiang’i spoke on Monday when he visited the NYS camp where police uniforms are being made.

Interior CS Fred Matiang'i with Joseph Boinnet when he visited the NYS camp where police uniforms are being made on Monday, March 25, 2019.

The CS  further directed government ministries who make their uniforms to do so locally and not importing them.

“I am happy and proud to be a Kenyan and we are supporting our own. The money we use for these goods and services is not our money… isn’t it wise to support local content?” he posed.

“Those who told us senseless stories about Kenya not having the materials should come and see what we are seeing here.”

Matiang’i said sewing the uniforms locally was a way to support Kenya’s economy and create employment.

“This is so that we support our economy…we have taken this decision and we are working on this… we will create a system to track this.. you can not do it theoretically but practically,” he said.

“Why on earth would we import uniform with all this capacity? ..ati kwa sababu watu wanataka kuhongana and we all wear these uniforms hii upumbavu lazima tuache, tujenge nchi..” – CS Matiangi

He further noted that the NYS officials make  1,000 pairs of police uniforms a day.

“We have started making them already…why on earth should we go buy uniforms from outside and everything is here? Kenyans we should be sober-minded when we take some decisions,” Matiang’i said.

Last year, Matiang’i said the government will not import police uniforms from any other country.

This was after reports emerged that there was a general shortage for the specific fabric for the police uniform.

“I have seen some comments that are very shameful! We have no problem providing our police with uniforms. Actually, we have paid for the new uniforms and they are being done,” Matiang’i said.

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