Kenyan textile manufacturer Rivatex East Africa Ltd has entered into a 21-year factory lease agreement with an investor to support its ambitious revival strategy. This move is aimed at enhancing the company’s operations, increasing production capacity, and restoring its position as a leading textile producer in the region.
The lease agreement comes as Rivatex struggles with operational challenges, including high production costs and outdated machinery. By bringing in an investor, the company hopes to modernize its manufacturing facilities and improve efficiency. The deal is expected to inject fresh capital into the company, which has been struggling to compete with cheap textile imports.
Rivatex, based in Eldoret, Kenya, is a government-owned textile firm that has been central to Kenya’s textile industry revival efforts. However, financial difficulties and stiff competition from imported fabrics have hampered its growth. The lease deal is part of a broader government plan to revitalize local textile manufacturing, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports.
According to officials, the investment will help Rivatex upgrade its technology and expand its market share by producing high-quality fabrics. Additionally, the move aligns with the Kenyan government’s Big Four Agenda, which prioritizes manufacturing as a key driver of economic growth.
Industry analysts believe that with improved funding and management, Rivatex can regain its former status as a top textile producer. The success of this lease agreement will be crucial in determining the future of Kenya’s textile sector, which is essential for economic growth and employment creation.
This development is a significant step towards revitalizing Kenya’s textile industry, ensuring sustainability, and boosting local production to compete effectively in regional and international markets.
