A Sh1.2 billion textile technology factory under construction at Kisumu National Polytechnic is 98% complete and is scheduled for commissioning in April, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s efforts to strengthen skills development and value addition in the textile sector.
The project, funded by the World Bank through the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), is designed to enhance technical competencies and drive growth across the regional cotton and textile value chain.
Regional Flagship Centre to Boost Textile Skills
The facility will serve as a Regional Flagship TVET Institute for Textile Technology and includes a production unit for spinning, weaving and garment manufacturing to support the regional cotton industry. In addition to the factory component, the state-of-the-art complex features modern laboratories, tuition blocks, hostels, studios and workshops.
State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria expressed satisfaction with the progress, despite delays that affected the project timeline. Construction began in February 2022 and was initially expected to conclude in early 2025, but bottlenecks led to the cancellation of a subcontractor’s contract.
“We have cancelled the contract but the retention money we have from the project as required by the law, which totals to Sh40 million, will be used to refine and polish up any area on the project that remains, including repainting and landscaping,” Muoria stated.
She also cautioned departmental teams to closely supervise ongoing projects to ensure accountability and value for money.
Strengthening Industry Linkages and Value Addition
The textile technology factory forms part of a broader regional initiative aimed at strengthening technical skills, enhancing industry linkages and promoting value addition across East African countries.
According to Muoria, the institution will collaborate with cotton farmers locally and regionally to ensure a steady supply of raw cotton. The facility will process cotton from ginning to garment production, creating employment opportunities while offering hands-on training to students.
“Farmers will earn income by supplying cotton to the institution, young people will work in the factory, and students will gain practical skills in cotton processing and textile production,” she said.
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The project also focuses on curriculum enhancement and the adoption of modern teaching methodologies to meet evolving industry demands. It aims to promote research, innovation and technology transfer while supporting Kenya’s broader industrialization and youth employment agenda.
Students have been encouraged to apply for certificate and diploma programs offered at Kisumu National Polytechnic and other tertiary institutions through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), including technical courses examined by the Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification (CDACC).
The new facility is expected to play a critical role in revitalizing Kenya’s textile and cotton industries by strengthening domestic processing capacity and supporting job creation across the value chain.
