Government set to equip constituencies with industrialization machines for improved productivity

The government has started equipping constituency
industrial development centres (CIDCs) in a bid to make them ready for
operationalization in January 2020.

Cabinet Secretary for Industry Trade and
Cooperatives Peter Munya, who on Friday flagged off machines and equipment to the
22 CIDCs across the country, said the move will enhance efficiency, improve
product quality and increase production capacity.

“More will be distributed as we continue with the
refurbishment and training of Micro, Small and Medium operators of a further 28
CIDCs,” he said.

The dispatched workshop machines to be used by Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises Sector include lathe machines, drilling machines,
hydraulic presses, workbenches and tool cabinets.

One of the dispatched machines. Image|Courtesy

Principal Secretary for State Department for
Industrialisation Dr. Francis Owino who was present confirmed that SMEs policy will
be ready by January 2020 and a follow up will be done to ensure that the
machines are used for the intended purpose.

The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA)
Chief Executive Officer Henry M. Rithaa said the sector has refurbished and
made ready Constituency Industrial Development Centres across the country to
improve competitiveness and market acceptability of the Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSME) products.