Rivatex Partners with Arise IIP in Strategic Move to Revive Kenya’s Textile Industry
he 21-year concession arrangement between the two will see Arise IIP take over the management and upgrading of Rivatex operations
The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary, State Department for Industry, and Mr. George Olaka, Arise IIP Kenya Chief Executive Officer, among other officials and industry stakeholders. Photo/ Kemuma Achieng
By Juliet Jerotich
The Government of Kenya, via the State Department for Industry, has signed a strategic partnership between Rivatex East Africa Special Economic Zone Limited (Rivatex EA SEZ Ltd.) and Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms Kenya (Arise IIP), a significant achievement in reviving the country’s textile and garment industry.
The onboarding ceremony, held on 8 October 2025, at the Rivatex East Africa SEZ, Eldoret, attracted top leaders in the public and private sector. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary, State Department for Industry, and Mr. George Olaka, Arise IIP Kenya Chief Executive Officer, among other officials and industry stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mukhwana described the alliance as a bold step towards redefining Kenya’s manufacturing sector.
“Today is not a day of endings — it is a day of beginnings. The Rivatex-Aries IIP alliance is a bold step towards industrial transformation, job creation, and renewed confidence in Kenya’s manufacturing prowess,” he elaborated.
The 21-year concession arrangement between the two will see Arise IIP take over the management and upgrading of Rivatex operations while the government retains ownership of the factory outright. Contrary to rumors, the PS clarified that Rivatex has not been privatized or sold but reorganized to facilitate professional management and investment that will see it regain its competitiveness.
“Rivatex remains a national asset, owned by the Kenyan people. What is different is opportunity — the opportunity to inject new energy into this national treasure,” reaffirmed George Olaka, Arise IIP Kenya CEO.
Rivatex, established in 1976, had been the backbone of Kenya’s textile industry for decades, employing thousands and boosting cotton farmers across the country. But decades of underinvestment and antiquated equipment had undermined its effectiveness.
With the new partnership, Arise IIP will re-streamline the factory by introducing new textile technology, international best practice, and green production techniques. The company has vowed to rehire and retrain Rivatex staff, develop cotton value chains, and create over 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The alliance is also expected to boost cotton production in such counties as Kitui, Siaya, Busia, and Bungoma, which will ensure a steady supply of raw materials for domestic processing.
Arise IIP’s impressive track record throughout the African continent — including industrial revolutions in Benin and Togo — inspires hope that the Rivatex transaction will yield results.
“This is a partnership of trust, openness and shared vision — to see Kenya become the textile giant of Africa,” said Dr. Mukhwana.
As the ceremony came to a close, there was a tangible sense of optimism in the air. With fresh investment, innovation, and collaboration, Rivatex is poised to be back at the heart of Kenya’s manufacturing renaissance — not just producing fabrics, but a brighter industrial future for Kenya.
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