As a part of its broader strategy to revitalize its cotton, textile, and apparel (T&A) sector, the Kenyan Government has launched a new initiative aims to boost manufacturing and create jobs under the ‘Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.’
During a recent official visit to Benin, Dr Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary for Industrialization, emphasized the sector's crucial role in Kenya's industrialization and job creation goals. The T&A sector in Kenya is a priority value chain for the Kenya Kwanza government, Dr Mukhwana stated, adding that textiles have been identified as a key driver for economic growth and job creation.
Dr. Mukhwana led a delegation from the State Department for Industrialization and Rivatex East Africa on a benchmarking mission to Benin, a leading cotton producer in Africa. This visit followed a January 2025 Cabinet decision to restructure Rivatex, a state-owned textile firm, by bringing in strategic non-equity partners.
One of the companies being considered for a partnership is ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), which specializes in developing and operating industrial parks and special economic zones across Africa. Dr Cleophas Lagat, Board Chair, Rivatex confirmed the visit was part of the due diligence process for ARISE IIP, a finalist in the tender to lease the Eldoret-based textile firm.
Employing nearly 900,000 people, the cotton industry in Benin produced 553,000 tons in the 2023/24 season. The government supports the sector with fertilizer and pesticide subsidies, and strong cooperation among farmers, ginneries, and the government has streamlined its value chain. Dr. Mukhwana noted that Kenya is studying how to replicate Benin's model of robust backward linkages between cotton farmers, ginneries, and manufacturers to reduce reliance on imports and add local value.
Despite Kenya benefiting from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade deal with the United States, its local production capacity remains underutilized. In 2022, apparel exports to the US under AGOA reached $603 million, accounting for 67.6 per cent of Kenya's total U.S. exports. Dr Mukhwana highlighted, despite high demand for Rivatex products, nearly 40 EPZ-based textile factories still import raw materials that could be sourced locally.
The Kenyan Government is optimistic that the planned restructuring of Rivatex and strategic partnerships with experienced players like ARISE IIP will significantly enhance Kenya's competitiveness in the global textile market.
