Cotton farmers and industry stakeholders in Lamu County are increasingly demanding more investment in local textile manufacturing, urging authorities to decrease dependence on imported fabrics and bolster Kenya’s cotton value chain through the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative.
During a stakeholders’ forum organized by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) in Mpeketoni, farmers noted that cotton apparel is gaining popularity in the coastal region due to the hot and humid climate, which makes cotton garments more comfortable for everyday wear.
The farmers highlighted that locally manufactured cotton garments are increasingly favored as they absorb sweat efficiently and help people stay cool while working in difficult weather conditions.
Cotton farmers Mary Mwangi, Samuel Kabutha, and Mbakuli Hassan Mbakuli addressed the forum, stating that cotton clothing has become necessary for many residents, particularly farmers who spend extended periods outdoors.
They noted that cotton fabrics are also perfect for school children due to their comfort and durability. The farmers requested both national and county governments to help establish more textile factories in the area, including those producing cotton-based footwear, uniforms, and other clothing items.
The stakeholders commended the cooperation between government and private investors in reviving the cotton sector, noting that the partnership had already generated employment opportunities for young people and enhanced living standards in the region.
Police uniforms locally produced at Thika cloth mills
They credited the renewed optimism in the industry to the introduction of BT cotton farming, which had substantially improved yields and raised household incomes for many farmers throughout Lamu County.
AFA Chairman Cornelly Serem urged Kenyans to actively support local industries by buying garments made from Kenyan cotton rather than imported products.
Serem questioned the inconsistency of demanding jobs for young people while continuing to buy foreign-made clothing from countries like China, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
He stressed that the government had already implemented policies encouraging public officials to wear locally made fabrics as part of initiatives to expand the domestic textile sector and support local industries.
Tejal Dhodhia, Chief Executive Officer of Thika Cloth Mills, shared these sentiments, urging schools nationwide to stop importing materials for school uniforms and instead purchase locally manufactured fabrics.
Dhodhia stated that supporting Kenyan textile industries would not only enhance local manufacturing but also create job opportunities for young graduates entering the workforce.
She also appealed to politicians to prioritize local textile companies when acquiring campaign materials, noting that increased domestic orders would directly benefit cotton farmers and manufacturers.
Dhodhia praised the government for supporting local textile firms through procurement opportunities, noting that many uniforms used by Kenya’s disciplined forces are currently made by Thika Cloth Mills.
Meeting participants maintained that expanding local production, processing, and consumption of cotton products would help increase farmers’ incomes, stimulate industrial growth, and reduce Kenya’s dependence on imported textiles.
They noted that strengthening the cotton value chain in coastal counties would establish the region as a major center for textile production while significantly contributing to job creation and economic growth.