Kenya wants to turn into a hub for African textile industry. The country wants international buyers to look at it as a source of cotton, textile products and fabrics. Kenya wants to be the preferred gateway to Africa for foreign investors. It wants to change perceptions and build synergies about doing business with Africa.

The textile and clothing sector is a key priority area which the country has targeted for job creation. A new clothing factory has opened in Mombasa, which will provide jobs for over 10,000 people in the country. Kenya emerged last year as the leading exporter of apparel in sub-Saharan Africa to the United States.

The government will revamp different sectors and government policies directly connected to the textile industry. Some of these include cotton production, inadequate industrial space, high energy costs, logistical challenges and others. Concerted efforts will be made for partnerships between the public and private sector.

In 2012, Kenya exported 63.2 million pieces of textiles valued at $277 million to the US. In 2013, Kenya witnessed a 14.5 per cent rise in the industry by selling 83 million pieces. The figure is expected to go even higher at the end of this financial year.