Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Karanja Kibicho on Tuesday hailed Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu for her obsession to turn Kitui County into a manufacturing hub.
The PS said Ngilu should be emulated by other governors.
"I want to thank the Governor for demystifying the manufacturing narrative. She has shown that is possible at the grassroots," said the PS.
Dr Kibicho called on other counties in to emulate Kitui's model to create jobs and also reduce importation of consumables that would effortlessly be produced locally.
He was speaking at the Kitui County Textile Centre (Kicotec). This is a county government centre that produces apparels.
The PS had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Governor in her office. He was later taken on a tour of various projects including that make leather products, detergents, both surgical and methylated spirits and sanitisers as well as construction materials among other products.
Dr. Kibicho expressed satisfaction on the high quality of products made at the industry. He said it had built confidence in products made locally in Kenya.
On her part, Ngilu advocated for crafting of friendly policies that would support local industries.
She at the same time lauded the national government for supporting the setting up of local industries.
Ngilu said there would be a sense of pride, for Kenya and its citizens to attain self-sustenance and economic independence through manufacturing.
She praised President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive that saw Kicotec get contracts to produce uniforms for police and national government administration officers.
"The Government’s Big Four Agenda has singled out the manufacturing sector as one of the key drivers of economic growth. We really appreciate your support and invite the President to visit Kicotec," she said.
