The Government is not backing down from local sourcing of materials and production of goods, Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary (CS), Dr. Fred Matiang’i has said.
The CS made the announcement at his Harambee House office after receiving a donation of jungle green police jackets from Mr. Sachen Gudka, chairperson, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and Mr. Pankaj Debi, Chairperson, United Aryan Limited.
Dr. Fred Matiang’i thanked the donors and affirmed the Government’s commitment to continue sourcing materials locally and subsequently manufacturing the police officers’ uniforms in Kenya.
“We have led from the front and we are going to continue. A while ago, our overall coats used to be imported from China but never again. These coats are locally made and they are warm enough. So, all coats, gear and even boots for the National Police Service will be made locally so that we continue promoting businesses and creating employment in the country,” the CS said.
The CS added that the State is determined and serious about improving the economy by no longer allowing the exportation of jobs to other countries. Dr. Matangi hailed the partnerships that the Government has cultivated with the private sector.
He alluded to the handwashing stations, masks and sanitizers that have been donated and subsequently deployed by private sector players to police stations all over the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“To successfully enhance welfare and security, it’s always a partnership between private citizens and the security system. I am happy that people have learnt to say thank you to local security personnel. I was so impressed by those women in Tala who were cooking for our police officers manning the roadblock in that area,” he said.
To continue protecting local manufactures, Dr. Matiang’i reiterated that the Government will not back down in the fight against contraband goods.