Govt saving Ksh.700M by making police uniforms locally Matiangi

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i on Monday said the government is saving over Ksh.700 million in having the new police uniforms made locally by the National Youth Service (NYS).

The CS was speaking after inspecting the progress of the production of the new persian-blue police uniforms at the NYS headquarters in Ruaraka.

“I’m happy and proud to support the country, no one will build it for us. It is foolishness to spend resources on things we can find here. We will not go back on this… The uniforms are ready and continue to be prepared. We are saving over 700 million in making the uniforms locally,” said Matiang’i.

He urged other government departments who require uniforms to have them made locally, in a bid to build the economy.

“Every government department that makes uniforms should come and make them here. It is a decision we have taken. We cannot support manufacturing theoretically,” he said.

Every govt dept that makes uniforms should come and make them here, it is a decision we have taken. We cannot support manufacturing theoretically.

Matiang’i was accompanied by among others Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs CS Prof. Margaret Kobia, outgoing IG Joseph Boinnet and Interior PS Karanja Kibicho.

Prof. Kobia said 250 NYS youth are involved in the making of the police uniforms.

“There are about 250 NYS youths making 1000 pairs of uniforms daily and the materials being used are locally produced. With these resources we have, there is no reason why all types of police uniforms cannot be produced here,” said Prof. Kobia.

In February last year, President Kenyatta directed that all national security agency uniforms be made at the NYS garment factory in Ruaraka, saying this would enable the graduates from the service to get employment.

“These facilities, which were built many years ago and have been lying idle, have now been revamped and put to use. Many of your colleagues who have graduated before you are seeking and finding gainful employment in this facility,” said Kenyatta.