Increased output from farmers and rising demand for quality fibre in Kenya encourage firms to invest in new technology
The “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative is driving up demand for fine cotton which is seeing textile industries invest heavily in new machinery and technology, opening doors to improved quality, enhanced profits and competitiveness in the global market.
Among the companies that have invested heavily in new manufacturing technologies is Thika Cloth Mills, a major textile firm in the country, which is reaping big from increased cotton supplies after entering into an agreement with farmers to buy all their produce.
CEO Tejal Dodhia said the government’s continued support to the local cotton manufacturing industries has pushed farmers to embrace cotton farming and eased supplies to their firms.
Addressing cotton farmers from Malindi, Kilifi county who had toured the firm, Tejal said her company had to venture into more innovative manufacturing technologies to streamline production and improve quality.
She said that continuous review of the manufacturing systems is essential to textile firms if they are to stay competitive and relevant globally.
“This new breed of BT cotton is of high quality, clean and whiter than the ordinary cotton and requires new machines in value-addition. The equipment is also faster in processing and time saving,” she said.
The new machines, she said, will not only improve the quality of their products but will increase the company’s revenue.
“As a buyer, I am happy that I will no longer be importing cotton from neighbouring countries as all indicators point to a bumper harvest in the country following the introduction of the BT variety,” she said.
Her company has been encouraging farmers to grow the crop by distributing free seeds, pesticides and other farm inputs as well as carrying out cotton-reviving campaigns.
The cotton farmers were taken through the processing system in the factory, which has been contracted to make fabric for school uniforms and garments for disciplined forces including KDF, GSU, Prison, NYS and the Kenya Police.
Magarini Cotton Farmer’s Cooperative Society chair Alex Mwangemi, said market assurances motivated them to start large scale cotton production after a series of poor maize harvests due to deprived rains in their counties.
Source: MY Gov