SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF DEVKI STEEL MILLS, WIRE PLANT DIVISION, ATHI RIVER, ON 27TH OCTOBER, 2003
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my pleasure, to perform the official opening of the Wire Products Division of Devki Steel Mills. We commend the sponsors of this project, for the confidence they continue to have in Kenya. The expansion of this project is another milestone, in our efforts to create Wealth and Employment.
I am informed that Devki Steel Mills started operations in 1994 with 40 employees and that; it is today, the biggest plant of its kind in Kenya and East Africa, employing more than 1400 workers directly. I am also informed that the company makes its products from 100% locally sourced steel scrap. The use of scrap supports thousands more jobs among scrap collectors and dealers.
It is commendable that, after hardly a decade, Devki Steel Mills has successfully marketed its products, not only in the Kenyan market, but also within COMESA region. The creation of a further 500 jobs, due to the new wire products division, is most welcome.
I am also happy to note that Devki Steel Mills is a good corporate citizen. It shares its success with the neighborhood and others, further a field. Its activity in public campaigns, in the fight against HIV/AIDS pandemic, reflects deep commitment to our economy and society in general.
I thank you.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As a developing country, we shall continue to face challenges of industrialization, as we seek to compete in the international market. But these are the challenges of trade liberalization, which we must face to ensure, production of high quality goods that can withstand global competition.
We should never forget that, success is largely a matter of attitude and determination. It is hard to imagine circumstances that cannot be overcome. I want to assure you that, my Government will do everything in its power to create an enabling environment for investors.
My Government is aware that, the business sector has faced unfair competition, through imported sub-standard and counterfeit products. This issue is being addressed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards, in conjunction with other arms of Government. On your part, as manufacturers, you must aim at producing high quality products at competitive prices. We stress high quality production, because our industries must be export oriented. Our industrial production must be efficient and competitive. Towards the goal of an export driven industrial sector, the Government is a participant in certain trade arrangements.
These include, the East African Community, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
My challenge to you, today, is to seize these opportunities, in order to produce more, and help create the jobs our people need, and increase our national income.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In the past, our economy depended heavily on unprocessed agricultural products. To give agriculture more impetus, we must add value through processing these products.
Industrial processing of our agricultural products, for domestic consumption and exports, will make farming more profitable as an investment. This will increase our industrial base. The industrial sector has the potential to, substantially, increase our GDP and create jobs for our large labour force.
My Government has promised to create more opportunities for our people. We have already taken steps to improve the business environment in which industry operates. In our role as facilitators, we are addressing problems of insecurity and infrastructure in its various forms.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Government has identified the building and construction sector, as key to our economic development. We need to supply decent housing for our population.
I am happy to note that, this project will produce steel and wire, which are the major inputs in building and construction. By its nature, the construction industry is one that employs large numbers of people. Water distribution for a growing population will also benefit by sourcing pipes locally.
In conclusion, Ladies and Gentlemen, I reiterate my congratulations to the Board, Management and staff of Devki Steel Mills. I commend you for putting a premium, on employment creation and the production of high quality products.
It is, now, my pleasure to officially open the wire division of this project and wish Devki Steel Mills every success in all its endeavors.
Thank you.
HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI,
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA