Matiang’I gives Kitui garment factory thumbs up

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i (third left) with his Health CS Cecily Kariuki (second right) and Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu (left) when he toured the newly-established Kitui County Textile Centre (Kicotec) at Syongila in Kitui Central. [Paul Mutua/Standard]

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has expressed satisfaction with the service at the newly-established Kitui County Textile Centre (Kicotec), and the quality of materials its produces.

Dr Matiang’i said the ultra-modern garment production facility at Syongila in Kitui Central, would cushion unemployment and announced that the Government was ready to support the industry to grow.

Speaking when he toured the facility on Wednesday, the CS said he was impressed by Ngilu’s development initiative and especially Kicotec.

“I am sincerely impressed by this industry which is part of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four agenda. Kicotec will ensure sustainable employment for the youths and support the growth of the local economy,” the CS said.

He was accompanied by area Governor Charity Ngilu, Health CS Sicily Kariuki and Eastern Regional Commissioner, Isaiah Nakoru.

He said his tour was informed by the President's announcement that the facility would be producing official uniforms for chiefs and their assistants.

The President was speaking at Masii in Machakos County during the launch of the ongoing nationwide Huduma Namba registration, a fortnight ago.

Governor Ngilu said Kicotec has the capacity to produce 5,000 garments per day.

The governor said the industry has employed over 400 youths from the county.

Meanwhile, Matiang’i has ordered the immediate repossession of irregularly acquired public land in Kitui.

Matiang’i singled out grabbed parcels of land at the Kitui GK Prisons which he said must be repossessed.

“The formal process of repossession of these parcels should begin immediately. Both the national and county government should work together on this. Anyone siting on public land should return it before we catch up with them,” said Matiang’i.