Interior ministry has invited bids from both the local and foreign forms to bid for the tender The ministry said local tenderers only need to satisfy “all relevant licensing requirements with the appropriate statutory bodies in Kenya"
The National Police Service (NPS) has opened its lucrative uniforms procurement deal to local firms, setting stage for a bruising battle with established foreign suppliers.
The Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of National Government has invited bids from both the local and foreign forms to bid for the tender, months after the redesign of police uniforms.
“The Deputy Inspector General Kenya Police Service invites sealed bids from eligible tenderers for provision, supply and delivery of the under listed goods on framework supply and delivery of uniform accessories,” it says in a notice dated January 23.
The ministry said local tenderers only need to satisfy “all relevant licensing requirements with the appropriate statutory bodies in Kenya" while foreign bids will be assessed on price offer alongside service provision record and registration with government bodies.
Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) chief executive Phyllis Wakiaga said Monday that local factories should be given priority, adding they have the capacity to produce fabrics required by all disciplined forces, including the police.
“The move by government to involve local industries in the production of uniforms for disciplined forces is in line with our call as a country to reduce imports, build capacity for local industries, whilst expanding existing value chains and creating new ones, ultimately creating more productive jobs for the citizens of our great country,” said Ms Wakiaga.
Thorough vetting
“These (local) textile factories have undergone thorough vetting and subsequent approval to take part in the competitive bidding to produce these uniforms, by the relevant government ministries and agencies.”
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i earlier refuted claims that the government is planning to import new uniforms for police officers.
In September, the government launched the revamped police uniforms as part of the change of reforms in the police service.
"We have no problem providing our officers with new uniforms, in fact we have already paid for them," Dr Matiang'i said in December.
Dr Matiang'i had also said the National Youth Service (NYS) would be engaged.
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