Thika Cloth Mills is spearheading a significant initiative to rejuvenate the local cotton sector through the ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ campaign.
Speaking while on a recent tour of cotton-growing regions such as Yatta, Siaya, and Busia, the company’s CEO, Tejal Dodhia, assured cotton farmers of their unwavering support in providing them with seeds and pesticides.
“We have reinforced the company’s dedication in collaborating with farmers and investing in sustainable practices, aimed at restoring cotton farming to its former glory while actively contributing to Kenya’s economic growth.
We also commit to providing a stable market for farmers by offering a competitive price of Sh72 per kilogram, an increase from the previous rate of Sh52,” Dodhia explained.
The initiative, coupled with efforts to revitalise ginneries and enhance value addition, is breathing new life into Kenya’s cotton industry.
Thika Cloth Mills’ Cotton Development Manager, Hesbon Olwenyi, announced that the company had inspected two ginneries and was set on investing in their operational capabilities.
“Functional ginneries enable farmers to separate lint from seeds, unlocking the potential of additional products like oil and seed cake. This value-added approach promises to significantly increase farmers’ earnings,” explained Olwenyi.
He, however, admitted the challenges posed by the influx of second-hand clothing, which has largely contributed to the decline of local textile industries.
However, the manager expressed optimism that partnerships between the government, textile companies, and farmers could revitalise cotton farming.
Thika Cloth Mills has played a significant role in supporting cotton farmers by providing free BT cotton seeds, pesticides, and venture capital.
Over the past two years, the company has invested a substantial sum of Sh70 million in seeds and inputs, thereby stimulating production and bolstering farmer loyalties.
In Siaya County, Thika Cloth Mills has played a pivotal role in reviving the local cotton industry. By investing in new rollers for the Madiany Ginnery, the company has enabled farmers to process their cotton efficiently.
Zedekiah Abdul, Secretary of the Madiany Ginnery, expressed gratitude for Thika Cloth Mills’ unwavering support.
He emphasized that without the company’s intervention, the community would not have been able to return to cotton farming.
Abdul also highlighted the challenges posed by brokers and private ginners, who had previously exploited farmers, and urged the county government to prioritise timely support that would align with agricultural seasons and maximise benefits for farmers.
The ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ initiative has also extended to the manufacturing sector, with Thika Cloth Mills being awarded government contracts to supply uniforms to various disciplined forces, including the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), police, prisons, and the National Youth Service (NYS).
The company has also secured contracts to produce school uniforms, which will ensure a stable market for cotton products, thereby benefiting farmers.
Additionally, despite persistent challenges such as pest management and inconsistent support from local authorities, collaborations between private industries and cooperatives are demonstrating significant potential for transformation, increasing optimism that the nation will once again emerge as a textile powerhouse aligned with the mandate of the ‘Buy Kenya, Build Kenya’ brand.
By Hellen Lunalo
