Kenya’s cotton farming industry is on the course of revitalization with the national government’s renewed effort to complete the Kwale ginnery factory in Kinondo ward, Msambweni sub-county.

The project initiated by Australian Company Base Titanium, with an estimated cost of Sh90 million, in June 2018 and was expected to have been operational by February 2019 has stalled for years.

President William Ruto during a recent tour to the region revealed that the government had allocated Sh 100 million for the factory which is expected to have six gins capable of producing 1800kg per day, each producing 600 kilograms of lint. The President regretted that he had allocated Sh250 million for the project in the rejected Finance Bill, 2024.

Further, the government has secured 500 metric tonnes of cotton seeds to help farmers increase crop production. A relationship has also been developed between the Kwale Pamba and Viazi Cooperative (PAVI) with whom Base Titanium worked closely for the initiation of the project, and farmers in Lamu County to improve bargaining when selling the cotton lint.

If fully developed, the cotton industry has the potential to generate income and jobs and boost the economy. One of the most well-known cotton ginneries in Africa is the Kisumu Cotton Mill, often known as KICOMI. It is well known because, according to Kisumu Museum Curator Phoebe Awiti, KICOMI has played a major role in providing direct employment opportunities locally and in the social and economic development of Kisumu.

However, the industry has faced significant deterioration over the years. The deterioration of Kenya’s cotton industry can be attributed to several interconnected factors that have weakened the sector over time.

Firstly, the lack of consistent and adequate government support has been a major issue. Over the years, the Kenyan government has failed to provide sufficient subsidies, extension services, and investment in research and development, leading to the industry’s neglect and underdevelopment. This lack of support has left the sector vulnerable to numerous challenges without the necessary resources to address them effectively.

The collapse of cooperative societies, which were once vital in organizing cotton farmers and providing them with inputs, credit, and a stable market for their produce, has further exacerbated the situation. Without these cooperatives, many farmers have been left without the necessary support to thrive, making it difficult for them to sustain their cotton farming activities.

Outdated technology has also played a significant role in the industry’s decline. Many cotton ginneries in Kenya operate with obsolete machinery, leading to low productivity and poor-quality products. This has made Kenyan cotton less competitive in both local and international markets, further shrinking the industry’s viability.

Inconsistent pricing and market access have added to the challenges faced by cotton farmers. Fluctuating cotton prices and unpredictable access to markets have discouraged many farmers from continuing to grow cotton, as they cannot rely on stable incomes. This uncertainty has contributed to a decline in cotton production.

The global rise in synthetic fibers, which are often cheaper and more durable than cotton, has also reduced demand for Kenyan cotton. This shift in consumer preferences has further shrunk the market for local cotton, making it more difficult for the industry to sustain itself.

A pest infestation, particularly by the bollworm, has been another significant challenge. Without adequate pest control measures, many farmers have suffered substantial losses, leading to a decline in cotton farming production. This has further weakened the industry, as farmers struggle to protect their crops from these persistent threats.

Unresolved land tenure issues have also contributed to the industry’s deterioration. Farmers without secure land rights are less likely to invest in cotton farming, as they face uncertainty regarding the future of their land. This has led to reduced investment in the sector, further hampering its growth.

Trade liberalization in the 1990s exposed the Kenyan cotton industry to competition from more developed and subsidized foreign industries, particularly in Asia. These industries have been able to produce cotton and textiles at lower costs, making it difficult for Kenyan cotton to compete in the global market.

The decline of Kenya’s textile industry, which was once a major buyer of local cotton, has also played a significant role in the sector’s collapse. Many textile mills closed down due to competition from cheaper imported textiles and second-hand clothes (commonly known as “mitumba”). This loss of a major market for Kenyan cotton has further weakened the industry, leading to reduced production and lower incomes for those dependent on the sector.