This archive report was first published on 29 June 2021.
On a recent tour of the Rift Valley Textile Company (RIVATEX) in Eldoret town, the National Assembly Trade, Industrialization and Cooperatives Committee emphasized the need for more financial support to Kenya's industries.
The committee, led by Vice Chairperson Oundo Wilberforce Ojiambo, stressed that supporting industries was crucial for Kenya to attain industrialization status, as outlined in the Big Four Agenda.
According to Nyando MP Jared Odoyo, the revival of Rivatex serves as a testament to the potential of Kenya's industries with good investment and support.
“A lot of money has been put into various industries and manufacturing under the Big Four Agenda that has created job opportunities for Kenyans,” said Odoyo.
He added that the country needs approximately one million acres of cotton for Rivatex to obtain sufficient raw materials locally, highlighting the need for support from all stakeholders.
“It is time we worked on seeing the results for billions of shillings that have been pumped into this facility,” Odoyo emphasized.
Rivatex Managing Director Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat reported that already 80,000 farmers have begun planting cotton, with efforts underway to increase this number and introduce BT Cotton to double the yield starting next season.
The Moi University-owned textile industry has 16,800 spindles, producing 12 tons of yarn per day, which can yield 70,000 meters of finished products daily.
