In recent years, Kenyans have been preferring imports to locally made products due to among others the perceived believe that imports are of better quality and are cheaper.
This will no longer be the case as a new law seeking to promote local products is expected early next year.
Ali Noor Ismail, Cooperatives Principal Secretary says the legal framework for realizing the 'buy Kenya build Kenya' initiative seeks to promote local products with the purpose of cushioning local industries from cheap imports.
Most textile and leather firms have been struggling if not closed due to a move to allow second hand shoes and clothes.
This has led to job losses as well as affected those in the value chain who were relying on the firms. To correct this, the state has been rooting for the 'buy Kenya build Kenya' initiative.
To entrench it into law, a bill has been drafted and is in its first reading in parliament.