A Sh1.2 billion textile technology factory, which has been under construction at the Kisumu National Polytechnic, is 98 per cent complete and is set to be commissioned in April this year to develop skills and competencies to drive the textile sector.
State Department for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria who expressed satisfaction with the works despite a delay that had been plagued by a number of issues.
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.
“We have cancelled the contract but the retention money we have from the project as required by the law, which totals to Sh40million will be used to refine and polish up any area on the project that remains, including re-painting and landscaping among other,” the PS declared.
The Regional Flagship TVET Institute for Textile Technology aims to develop skills and competencies to drive the textile sector. The state-of-the-art facility includes a factory, modern laboratories, tuition blocks, hostels, studios, and workshops all aimed at providing students with the gears and environment to gain skills that meet both local and regional industry standards.
The project stresses curriculum enhancement and the adoption of new teaching methodologies to address the changing needs of the textiles industry; thus, the project is intended to boost practical training in the textile industry in Kenya.
“The project also targets to develop the regional textile industry through the provision of high-quality training, problem solving, research, innovation, and technology transfer, which is a testament of the national government’s commitment to offer cutting edge training through the TVET sector to benefit thousands of youths who miss out on university placement”, Muoria said.
The PS pointed out that the institution will be working with cotton farmers around the country and the region to ensure a steady supply of raw cotton to the upcoming factory.
“We are going to have cotton delivered to us, it will be processed all the way to garment making in the institution thus also creating jobs for many people,” She added.
The institution aims to collaborate with the county government in mobilizing cotton farmers to supply cotton for processing.
The PS stated that the Government of Kenya has a better strategy to ensure value addition at the source of production.
“Farmers are going to get money from selling cotton to the institution, young people will be working in the factory and most importantly students will be trained on cotton processing, ginning and textile,” the PS noted.
She urged the learners to apply for the various certificate and diploma programmes on offer at Kisumu Polytechnic and other tertiary institutions in the country through Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
Some of the programs on offer in our tertiary institutions include tiling, carpentry and walling which are examined by Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification (CDACC).
These courses are key in preparing the youth with skills to help them secure jobs locally and overseas.
By Mabel Keya – Shikuku & Dorothy Pamela
