Githunguri Member of Parliament (MP) Gathoni Wamuchomba has outlined ways in which she would utilise available resources and labour to transform Kenya's economy if elected president.
In a statement on Sunday, April 20, Wamuchomba revealed that she would create cottage industries and support them to reach her goal.
"One day, I will lead this country. I will turn around available labour to riches. I will create cottage industries and subsidise power," Wamuchomba stated.
A cottage industry is a small manufacturing business that is owned and operated by an individual or a family, typically operating out of a home rather than a purpose-built facility.
At the top of her list was making sure that all households with backyards produced products for domestic consumption. These include: toothpicks, spoons, pots, towels, belts, etc.
Secondly, she would introduce cottage special zones with special power and water rates, and thirdly, establish a national symposium for the industry
A subsequent national award system for the best innovators in the industry would also be established. Wamuchomba added she would also set up a cottage fund for incubation in every county to bolster the industry.
To provide space for the sale of these products, the MP stated that she would utilise idle stadiums between 6pm and 1am daily, fully equipped with a special cleaning squad.
She also added that she would provide extension officers to evaluate cottage progress and assist with technical advice.
Another promise she made was revamping the Kenya Industrial Estate and funding it to market the cottage products internationally.
"When I’m president, we will NOT export raw macadamia, coffee and tea but rather will process locally and sell final goods," Wamuchomba added.
According to Wamuchomba, she would revamp the Agricultural Mechanisation Unit to support value addition.
For the women, the MP promised to ensure they all have access to local hair wigs made from banana fibres and that all sanitary towels would be made locally from biodegradable fibres.
"Who will make me a president? I have no money to campaign," Wamuchomba mused.
