Kitui governor Charity Ngilu to promote production of kyondos

kyondo [photo/courtesy]

As the ban on plastic bags come into force, Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has said her government will expand production and distribution of sisal kyondos in the country to increase revenue especially for women.

Ngilu said her government will empower women's self-help groups in the rural villages to engage in handwoven kiondo baskets to improve their livelihoods.

"We are aware that from August 28, the ban on use of plastics will come into effect and we shall use the opportunity to expand production and sale of the traditional sisal kyondo to all counties thereby increasing revenue for women," the governor said.

Ngilu said Kamba women were customarily good in making the traditional Kenyan handcraft and urged Kenyans to swiftly take kyondo alternative.

"We must believe in the change that has come to Kitui. I urge the people to remember that the constitution that we fought for was not in vain," she said.

Ngilu then pledged her commitment to the objectives of devolution particularly to promote social and economic development, bring services closer to the people and to protect and promote the interests and rights of minorities and marginalised communities within the county.

Ngilu who defeated both the incumbent Julius Malombe and former Senator David Musila in the August 8 polls, said she will work side by side with senator-elect Enoch Wambua, woman rep-elect Irene Kasalu and all the eight MPs and 40 MCAs in the county to fulfil hope put on them by the people.

She said the county government officers must base their decisions on the principle of achieving the greatest good for the greatest majority.

"Let our work satisfy mama mboga, boda boda rider, farmer, shoe shiner more than satisfy the Governor or the MP. These people elected us to serve them, not to serve ourselves," the governor said.