Construction of the ginnery has already begun, and around 60 per cent of the work is already complete, local Kenyan media reports said quoting LBDA managing director Raymond Omollo.

The revival strategy will also involve training farmers on new techniques of cotton production to boost their yield and income, Omollo said.

In addition, LBDA is making efforts to revive defunct cotton ginneries in Nyakach and Seme sub-counties. While three ginners will come up in Kisumu, a similar number will be built in Homabay.

After the Kenyan government lifted the ban on cotton seeds imports last year, Kisumu county has received 12 tonnes of cotton seeds, 140 kg of biotechnology (BT) high breed seeds, and 480 kg of high breed seeds. These cotton seeds have been distributed through cotton cooperative societies in Nyanza province.

Meanwhile, the Rift Valley Textile (Rivatex) has set up a factory at Boya in Nyando Sub County and targets to create employment opportunities for over 500 people.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)