State officials told to enforce 'Build-Kenya' directive

NAIROBI: Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich has put on notice public entities that are yet to comply with the requirements of Build-Kenya, Buy-Kenya directive.

The directive requires that at least 40 per cent of all State tenders at the procurement and supply stage be given to locals.

The CS noted that the order issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta during the Madaraka Day celebrations was meant to safeguard the country's economy against cheap imports and to promote the growth of local industries.

"The requirement covers all procurement in respect of road works, railway works, airports and other ports and harbours, works and materials for generation, transmission and distribution of energy and other construction materials made in Kenya," said Mr Rotich when he presented the 2015-2016 budget estimates Thursday in Parliament.

He said the 40 per cent local content had already started bearing fruit.

"It has created business and employment opportunities for our businesses, industries, entrepreneurs and our women and the youth," he said.

He added: "As we expand leasing of equipment and assets in the public sector, and commit more resources towards security, irrigation and e-Learning, I expect accounting officers to ensure suppliers establish manufacturing or assembly plants here locally so as to position Kenya as an industrial hub for the region," he said.