Kisumu set for major textile boost as Sh1.2-bilion factory nears completion

BY MABEL KEYA – SHIKUKU and DOROTHY PAMELA (KNA)

A Sh1.2-billion textile technology factory under construction at the Kisumu National Polytechnic is 98 per cent complete and is set to be commissioned in April this year to help develop skills and competencies in the textile sector.

State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Dr Esther Thaara Muoria expressed satisfaction with the progress of the works, despite delays occasioned by a number of challenges.

The project is funded by the World Bank through the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP).

The facility includes a production unit for spinning, weaving, and garment making to boost the regional cotton industry.

The regional flagship centre for textile technology project is part of a broader regional programme aimed at strengthening technical skills, enhancing industry linkages and promoting value addition across participating East African countries.

The construction of the textile technology factory at Kisumu National Polytechnic began with a groundbreaking ceremony in February, 2022 and was expected to have been handed over in early 2025 but experienced a few bottlenecks that caused some delay that led the PS to cancel the contract of the sub-contractor.

To this end, she cautioned her teams in the department to be vigilant and closely supervise projects being undertaken in the department and ensure value for money.