The Mombasa Apparels EPZ factory has commenced operations. Located in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, the factory will manufacture garments for the international market.
Speaking during the official opening of the $25 million (Ksh2 billion) factory, Industrialization and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed, said the factory had created 3,000 direct jobs with the potential of another 4,000 in its second phase.
“Such investments in the textiles and apparels sector are a clear demonstration of the growing investor confidence,” Mr Adan said. “The government is deliberately focusing on labour intensive sectors that are key drivers in job creation and industrialisation.”
This year, Kenya managed to spring up as the leading and largest exporter under the AGOA programme in sub-Saharan Africa, with exports to the tune of over $300 million and 10,000 new direct jobs created in the apparel sector.
To underscore the importance of this sector, global players in Textiles and Apparels will be in the country next week, to participate in the Origin Africa, a Pan-African event organised by the African Cotton and Textile Industries Federation (ACTIF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industrialisation and other local and international players to discuss the future of this sector.
