Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has launched the first-ever garment making factory by a County government in Kenya since the inception of devolution.
Ms Ngilu says the factory named Kitui County Textile Centre (KICOTEC) will provide direct employment opportunities to more than 600 residents of Kitui.
“Over 90 percent of garment money leaves Kitui to Nairobi, Thika, Kiambu since we lack a uniform making factory here. This factory seeks to cure this situation,” Ngilu said while opening the new factory.
Ngilu further says more jobs will be created since fabric, materials and accessories required for the factory will be procured from the county.
She also says the factory will reduce the cost of garments and increase revenue for the county government. “With an average of 486,000 students in both primary and secondary schools, the county will increase revenue by Sh2 billion annually,” she says.
Trumpian thinking. This will…
Trumpian thinking. This will be a bottomless pit for county funds like all parastatals. County and state governments are there to provide services not run commercial enterprises that compete with private business. The biggest losers here will be the residents of Kitui for they will be forced to buy overpriced uniforms, they will be forced to pay taxes to keep the venture going and their taxes will disappear into peoples pockets. That is the parastatal formula in Kenya. This factory should be closed.
Business-wise, the idea is…
Business-wise, the idea is shallow if it is only focused on uniforms. Factory will die soon if operations only focus on uniforms. However, with more thought, the factory can carter for export garment market.
Countdown to Mama masaa…
Countdown to Mama masaa scandal starts now.
This is the worst idea…
This is the worst idea dressed up as state pride. If Ngilu wants ideas he only needs to make a short trip to Prof. Kibwana and ask for advice but she will not do that. We can all remember her history when she was cabinet secretary
Great job madam gov.that is…
Great job madam gov.that is the way to go. Serve your people and refuse to loot the resources of the county.