The government has directed all civil servants to wear Kenyan-made clothes to work on Fridays and during public holidays.
In a circular dated October 17th, Solicitor-General Ken Ogeto indicated that the move was part of President Kenyatta’s ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ initiative which promotes manufacturing, one of his big four agenda.
“Pursuant to the achievement of the Big 4 Agenda and specifically the expansion of Manufacturing Pillar by producing better goods and creating local employment, I direct that all members of staff shall on all Fridays be dressed in decent, smart casual Kenyan produced and tailored attire,” the circular read in part.
Mr. Ogeto confirmed the authenticity of the circular in a text message, according to Nairobi News.
“The circular is authentic yes. It was issued in line with govt. policy to spur the growth of local manufacturing industry as one of the pillars of the big four,” he said.
The directive was addressed to all heads of departments and regional heads and took effect on Friday, October 18th.
To lead by example, Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top government officials donned locally made outfits during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Mombasa last Sunday.
Sources said the attires were manufactured at Bedi Investment Limited, a Nakuru-based textile company.
