President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday, May 11, heaped praise on Kenya's newly launched multi-national that has already moved Ksh2.8 billion in revenues.
Speaking during MAS Intimates' official launch at Athi River in Machakos County, the Head of State was impressed by its achievements including employment of over 3,000 Kenyans since it launched its operations in 2020.
In the same period, the President noted the company had injected Ksh986 million into the Kenyan economy.
“I am pleased that while MAS only began operations in Kenya in the year 2020, you have already injected over 8.5 million US dollars into our economy, employed over 3,000 Kenyans and shipped garments worth over 24 million US dollars which are affixed with the magical, Made in Kenya tag,” stated Uhuru.
MAS Intimates, which is part of MAS Holdings was first launched in Sri Lanka in 1987 by three Amalean brothers, Mahesh, Ajay, and Sharad.
According to reports, MAS Holdings is ranked as the biggest manufacturer of garments in South Asia and has presence in over 17 countries with offices in London, New York and Colombo, a city in Sri Lanka.
The trio built the company after leaving their family business to venture out on their own.
As part of his success, Mahesh was conferred the title of ‘Desamanya’, the second-highest national honour, in 2005 by the President of Sri Lanka for his service to the Nation.
Sharad was known for his financial pragmatism and knowledge and at some point served as the company's CEO before transitioning to oversee the strategic investments and the diversification activities of the organisation.
Ajay, on the other hand, was tasked with handling the design and product development function at MAS Holdings and now runs the organisation's foundation known as Ayati.
In his speech, the President disclosed that MAS Intimates' decision to invest in Kenya accorded it a strategic geographical location and easy access to Eastern and Central Africa.
“In addition, by choosing Kenya, you have access to top tier financial services and information technology capabilities, a strong intellectual property protection landscape and elaborate networks of supporting infrastructure which are being enhanced day-by-day through investments in a modern new railway, road networks, and in modern Sea Ports and Airports, fiber optic and under-sea cables and pipelines,” added the Head of State.
MAS Intimates Kenya Manufacturing Director Chandana Galappathi, who was in attendance, thanked the Government for creating a conducive environment for investment, saying it has seen his company grow from strength to strength in the last two years.
The company now projects to raise its workforce in Kenya to 4,200 by the end of the year and 7,000 by 2025. Globally, it has over 93,000 employees.
