Kenya, UK launch Lamu cotton processing plant to boost economy, jobs

Kenya, the UK and the County Government of Lamu have launched a new cotton processing facility in Lamu County.

The partnership, which includes the national government, local government and the private sector, aims to reduce reliance on foreign imports, support women and promote sustainable economic growth.

Construction of the facility, backed by Thika Cloth Mills, is set to begin immediately, with an expected completion date of November 2025.

The project is expected to create 5,000 jobs over the next three years, with a goal to triple cotton production in Lamu from 2,000 to 6,000 bales annually.

“The ginnery will boost cotton uptake, earn farmers more income, create jobs and provide raw materials for the textile industry,” said Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui.

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The processing plant is located near local cotton farms, reducing transportation costs and providing a larger market for farmers.

It will also source cotton from surrounding counties such as Kilifi, Tana River, Kwale and Taita Taveta.

The project aims to reduce Kenya’s reliance on imported cotton, which currently makes up about 90 per cent of the country’s cotton supply.

“The UK is a long-term partner for long-term economic growth in Kenya,” said Ed Barnett, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya.

“This project demonstrates the power of partnerships, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening Kenya’s cotton industry,” he added.

The facility is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of textile production by 262 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

The project also focuses on gender equality, with at least 50 per cent of the workers at the plant expected to be women.

The initiative is part of the UK’s Sustainable Urban Economic Development programme (SUED), which seeks to add value to Kenyan agricultural produce.

SUED has already helped secure investments for other processing facilities in Lamu, including fish, coconut and cashew nut processing plants.

 Since its inception, SUED has contributed to the creation of more than 10,000 jobs across Kenya.