Uhuru Makes Major Shake-up in The Civil Service With New Directive

On Thursday, October 17, a circular was issued, directing all govt staff to wear made-in-Kenya outfits to work on Fridays and during public holidays. 

The Daily Nation reported that the circular was part of a scheme meant to boost President Uhuru Kenyatta's Big 4 Agenda on manufacturing.

“Pursuant to the achievement of the Big 4 Agenda and specifically the expansion of manufacturing by producing better goods and creating local employment, I direct that all members of staff shall on all Fridays dress in decent, smart casual Kenyan-produced and tailored attire,” the circular signed by Solicitor General Kennedy Ogeto read.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy Dr William Ruto and some governors including Hassan Joho and Amoson Kingi donned stylish African design attires on Sunday, October 20 in pursuant of the executive directive.

Ogeto confirmed the authenticity of the circular and added that it was issued with the intention to spur development and growth in the Kenyan manufacturing industry.

The circular will affect all government officers, whether in senior or junior positions. 

During the Sunday, October 20 Mashujaa Day celebrations, many public service employees adhered to the directive to wear locally made attire.

At the event, Cabinet secretaries present donned colourful and stylish African-themed outfits instead of the usual formal suits.

President Kenyatta, his deputy and some governors including Mombasa's Hassan Joho and his Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi toed the line. 

When Uhuru commissioned the ultra-modern Rivatex textile industry in Eldoret in June, he appealed to members of the public to wear made-in-Kenya clothes.

“Beyond the government, we must create demand for our own products by actively consuming those products ourselves. Towards this objective, let us encourage each other to proudly wear Made in Kenya garments,” President Kenyatta advised.

President Uhuru Kenyatta when he commissioned the Rivatex textile company in Eldoret. The Head of State issued an October 17 directive instructing state servants to put on made-in-Kenya attires on  Fridays and on all public holidays.