By Felix Njenga
Cotton farmers in Lamu County have renewed calls for greater government support for Kenya’s textile sector, urging authorities to limit the influx of imported fabrics and invest more in local manufacturing industries to strengthen the country’s cotton value chain.
The appeal was made during a cotton stakeholders’ engagement forum held in Mpeketoni and organized by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), where farmers and industry players intensified the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” campaign aimed at promoting locally produced goods.
Farmers from the region said cotton farming had emerged as one of the most reliable economic activities in the coastal area due to the prevailing hot climate, which has increased demand for cotton-based clothing among residents.
According to the farmers, cotton garments are widely preferred because they are light, comfortable and capable of absorbing sweat, making them suitable for both farm work and daily wear in the coastal region.
Cotton growers Mary Mwangi, Samuel Kabutha and Mbakuli Hassan Mbakuli said the increased use of locally made cotton products had the potential to transform livelihoods if more textile factories were established within the region.
The farmers explained that cotton apparel is especially practical for people who spend long hours outdoors, adding that school children would also benefit from comfortable uniforms made from locally produced fabrics.
They appealed for the establishment of industries manufacturing cotton-related products such as uniforms, shoes and other garments, saying this would create employment opportunities for young people while expanding the local economy.
The farmers also welcomed the growing collaboration between the national government, county administrations and private investors in reviving the cotton sector.
They noted that the introduction of BT cotton farming had helped improve productivity and increased earnings for farmers, restoring confidence in cotton cultivation after years of decline.
Agriculture and Food Authority Chairman Cornelly Serem challenged Kenyans to support local industries by purchasing clothes made from Kenyan cotton instead of relying on imported products.
He said many people continue to demand jobs for the youth while at the same time purchasing foreign-made garments, a trend he described as a setback to the country’s industrial growth agenda.
Serem emphasized that promoting locally manufactured fabrics was part of the government’s broader strategy to create jobs, strengthen industries and support farmers across the country.
Tejal Dhodhia, the Chief Executive Officer of Thika Cloth Mills, urged schools and institutions to source uniform materials from Kenyan manufacturers rather than importing fabrics from abroad.
She said supporting local textile firms would enhance industrial development and provide sustainable employment opportunities for thousands of young Kenyans.
Dhodhia also encouraged political leaders to procure campaign materials from local textile companies, noting that increased local demand would directly benefit cotton farmers and manufacturers.
She praised the government for awarding tenders to local textile industries, adding that Kenyan manufacturers were already supplying uniforms to several disciplined forces in the country.
Stakeholders at the forum said strengthening local production, processing and consumption of cotton products would reduce Kenya’s dependence on imports and accelerate economic growth in cotton-producing regions.
They maintained that continued investment in the cotton and textile sectors would play a major role in boosting farmers’ incomes, creating jobs and revitalizing the manufacturing industry in Kenya.
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