Kitui County Textile Centre (KICOTEC) is set to begin production of Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs’ uniforms after industry received the first patches of the materials on Thursday.
The county’s Governor Charity Ngilu received 23,400 metres of material from the Administration Police Training College. Addressing residents at the factory after receiving the materials, Ngilu said the county textile factory was fit to execute the mandate within the scheduled period.
She expressed contentment with President Kenyatta’s pronouncement to make Kitui a key stakeholder in the country’s manufacturing sector.
“We are very happy today to witness such acknowledgment by the state. This comes with our commitment to deliver high-quality uniforms for our administrators”. She said.
The Governor confirmed the plant will produce 6,600 pieces of official uniforms in the first production exercise.
Governor Ngilu earlier this month presented sample materials for the uniforms and other garments made at the factory to the Deputy Inspector General in charge of AP Noor Gabow, Uniforms quartermaster Boniface Kamau and master tailor Omwenga Nyakundi at the Deputy Inspector General’s office in Nairobi who were satisfied with the quality of samples presented.
The CS for Interior and coordination Dr. Fred Matiang’i visited the plant last month and confirmed the President’s interest in ensuring manufacturing succeeds at the grassroots.
On his part, Kitui Ag. County Commissioner Jackson Ole Chuta said the national government was keen to stimulate development through supporting the local economies and reducing unemployment.
Also present, APTC quartermaster Boniface Kamau said the President’s directive on KICOTEC will remain valid until further resolution.
The sh.2.5 billion spent on police and military uniforms will onwards benefit local manufacturers in the country- Kitui being one of the key beneficiaries.