Ngatia Clarifies Raila’s Mitumba ban row

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) president Richard Ngatia has defended the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s sentiments on the Mitumba industry.

Ngatia, who is the chairman of the Azimio La Umoja presidential campaigns in charge of trade said that Raila did not say that he will ban importation of Mitumba cloths but affirmed that the Azimio Government will revive the cotton industry in Kenya which will lead to the revival of Kicomi, Thika textile industries, among other textile industries that died long time ago.

Rivatex which was revived recently will also be able to have maximum production and all this will lead to creation of more jobs and business opportunities.

Raila has also promised those who are likely to be affected with the revival of the textile industry will have the first opportunities to trade in products that are produced by the local industries.

“Raila understands that the Mitumba industry employs so many Kenyans and hence will make sure those in Mitumba business will benefit more from selling locally produced products at relatively cheaper rate.This way then creating more business opportunities and creating more jobs,” he said.

“Forget propaganda. Here is what Baba actually said. We will go to primary manufacturing so that our people importing Mitumba can have good product to sell. We are not moving anyone out of business. Those importing Mitumba will get first hand to market goods manufactured here,” Ngatia added.

Ngatia, the Presidents special envoy on trade said that the Azimio la Umoja government will expand the business scope and create a conducive environment for trade and business.

Ngatia has maintained that it is equally important to promote Kenyan products both locally and abroad in the buy Kenya Jenga Kenya initiative in a bid to improve Kenya’s manufacturing industry as it is important to support businesses, mitumba trade being one of the biggest businesses in Kenya.