This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
On October 17, 2019, the Office of the Attorney General issued a circular requiring civil servants to wear Kenyan-made outfits on Fridays and public holidays.
The directive, signed by Solicitor General Ken Ogeto, aims to promote the government's Big 4 Agenda, which focuses on manufacturing and local employment.
According to the circular, all staff members are expected to wear 'decent, smart casual Kenyan produced and tailored attire' on Fridays.
On Tuesday, Ogeto confirmed the authenticity of the circular, stating that it was issued in line with government policy to spur growth in the local manufacturing industry.
The directive took effect on October 18, 2019, and is expected to be part of the official dress code for government staff.
During Mashujaa Day celebrations in Mombasa, top officials, including President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto, wore Kenyan-made outfits, setting an example for Kenyans to embrace local products.
Some local governors, including Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi, also wore similar attires.
The outfits were reportedly made at Bedi Investment Limited, a textile firm based in Nakuru County.
This initiative is not the first time the government has pushed for the adoption of Kenyan wear to boost local markets.
During the commissioning of the ultramodern textile industry Rivatex, President Kenyatta appealed to Kenyans to proudly wear 'Made in Kenya' clothes.
