(Photos) Uhuru launches Sh4bn gun manufacturing factory in Ruiru

President Uhuru Kenyatta has commissioned a gun manufacturing factory in Ruiru.

This, he says, will aid in national economic and technological advancement.

"Covid-19 has taught us that international supply chains are vulnerable to disruption. We add another arrow to our security quiver. This sets stage for the progressive domestic manufacture of security equipment used by our nation," he said.

Uhuru was speaking at the National Security Industries, Ruiru where he  commissioned the Sh4 billion gun manufacturing factory.

Kenya has manufactured about 12,000 riffles with 60% of the components being locally manufactured.

"Over the next year, we intend to diversify to include 9 mm pistols and 7.62 assault riffles," Uhuru said.

He was accompanied by Interior CS Fred Matiang'i  and a few government officials.

Uhuru said the initiative will address the high cost of weapons acquisition and provide the security sector independence and allow Kenya to produce high quality weapons.

"By venturing into this, we seek self reliance and strengthening of local capabilities and offering decent jobs for our youths," he said.

Uhuru said Kenya stands to advance human capital and fuel the modernisation for iron manufacturing.

"The journey will not be an easy one. It needs investment of money, training and building equipment," he said.

The Small Arms Factory project is aimed at enhancing the country's self reliance through local production of security equipment.