Textile Sector Vital for Job Creation and Export Expansion, Says Senator Mandago
The launching of the design and fashion textile facility is also another milestone in the promotion of strengthening of local manufacturing and value addition.
Senator Jackson Mandago. Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago underscored the strategic role of the textile industry in accelerating economic development, describing this sector in Kenya as a dominant player for investment, employment creation, and export growth.
He spoke about the large potential that the textile and fashion industry has for changing local economies when empowered by grassroots support during the launch of Yuri Design & Collection in Seum, Suwerwa Ward, in the Cherangany constituency. Kindly linking local manufacturing initiatives to global markets is very important, a fact highlighted by Hon. Dr. Wilson Kogo, Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia.
Mandago underscored the importance of building local textile industries to attract local and foreign investors while creating job opportunities for communities. As he detailed, the sector provides plenty of avenues for employment ranging from production, fitting, marketing, and distribution, making it one of the most inclusive industries in the economy.
He himself observed that investment in fashion and textile businesses is the direct link to growing our exports through getting our local products into regional and international markets. According to him, enhancing textile capacities in Kenya boosts its competitive capability, while equally abolishing the culture of relying mostly on imported finished goods.
Mandago commended the formation of Yuri Design & Collection, holding that this investment validates local capacity and will support positive changes around its community. He indicated that the facility is expected to create jobs for local residents while providing opportunities for skill transfer and professional development, especially among youth and women entering the fashion and textile value chain.
“The textile industry has the capacity to transform lives by empowering small-scale entrepreneurs and providing sustainable livelihoods. When such businesses are set up at the community level, the benefits are felt directly by local households,” he supported.
The senator urged both the national and county administrations to enhance support for investors by establishing an enabling policy framework for manufacturing and value addition. In particular, he called for improving access to affordable financing, technical training, and infrastructure development to allow growth and competitiveness among textile enterprises.
Mandago maintained that promoting such textile industries integrates seamlessly with the broader economic agenda for Kenya in the areas of enhancing manufacturing, expanding exports, and creating decent jobs. He said establishments such as Yuri Design & Collection show how the support of government policies to private sector investment can foster inclusive economic growth.
The launching of the design and fashion textile facility is also another milestone in the promotion of strengthening of local manufacturing and value addition. The leaders at this event expressed optimism that such investments elsewhere across the country will contribute to economic resilience, improved livelihoods, and for Kenya to emerge strongly in the regional and global textile market.
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