Sh680 million set aside for reviving Rivatex Mills in Eldoret, Deputy President William Ruto says

Rift Valley Textile (Rivatex) Mills

Eldoret, Kenya - The Government has set aside Sh680 million to revive and expand operations at the Rift Valley Textile (Rivatex) Mills in Uasin-Gishu County, Deputy President William Ruto has said.

He said the Government would work with other stakeholders in providing facilities aimed at expanding the textile plant.

“The Government will spend Sh680 million to expand the textile plant and purchase equipment to facilitate operations at the cotton industry,” said Mr. Ruto.

Speaking during the launch of the pilot laptop and tablets assembly project at the Rivatex plant, the Deputy President said there was need to focus on manufacturing.

The project is being spearheaded by Moi University.

“As we appreciate the efforts by Moi University for the launch of this project, I want to ask the management of the university not only to focus on the assembling of the laptops and the gadgets but also focus on manufacturing to create more jobs,” said Mr. Ruto.

“We are moving all the Government services to digital era and ensure cost effective as well as eliminate the challenges being witnessed in the tendering process,” said Mr. Ruto.

“Principal Secretaries and Heads of Parastatals have been asked to ensure services are integrated to the e-procurement in tending services within the shortest time possible,” he added.

Mr. Ruto said the system will strengthen the Government’s -supplier relationship by providing easy to access information and documentation, simplify the bidding process and ensure cost saving for the Government and tax payers.

The Deputy President said the Government was moving away from cash payments to a digitalized system to curb corruption and wastage of public resources.

“At the moment, 94 percent of all Government payments are done by cash. We are now moving away from this system to a digitalized one as M-pesa among other credit cards as form of payment,” said Mr. Ruto.

The Deputy President urged Kenyans to embrace technology noting that the future development of the country depended on how ‘we embrace’ technology.

“It is time as Kenyans we embrace technology if we are to achieve our development targets and the Vision 2030,” said Mr. Ruto.

The Deputy President said a necessary framework policy was being put in place to make it easier to assemble mobile phones in Kenya than to export.

“We are coming up with a policy framework to facilitate all ICT gadgets and assemble them in the country instead of importing them,” he said.

Mr. Ruto at the same time told management of universities to focus on innovation, research and technology instead of engaging in turf wars, ethnic or primitive talks.

“It is unfortunate that some universities are engaging in turf wars over who comes from where or who is doing what. This must come to an end,” said Mr. Ruto.

He went on, “We expect universities to lead the way on matters of innovation, research and technology to ensure quality education for Kenyans and not on issues which cannot add value to lives of the people,”

And while unveiling a 27 -storey Moi University Pension Scheme Plaza in Eldoret town, the Deputy President hailed the cooperative spirit in the country noting that it was transforming the lives of its members.

 “It is encouraging that Saccos in Kenya are coming together, working together and pulling their resources for meaningful development projects which can transform their lives,” said Mr. Ruto.

He told pensioners to take advantage of the existing opportunities to engage in income generating activities aimed at uplifting their living standards.

 “We must be ready and prepared to work with investors and entrepreneurs and tap those opportunities and use them as avenues for the growth of this country,” said Mr. Ruto.

Uasin-Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago said the county was ideal for investments and called on business community to make use of the conducive environment for investments.

Moi University Vice Chancellor Pro. Richard Mibey said the project would enhance capacity building in the technological era.

MPs who accompanied the Deputy President included James Bett (Kesses), Cornelly Serem (Aldai), Jackson Kiptanui (Keiyo South),  Elijah Langat (Chesumei), Benson Kangara Mutura  (Makadara), Zipporah Kering (Nandi), Susan Chebet (Elgeyo/Marakwet) and Julius Melly (Tinderet) among others.