Govt in Sh600m bid to revive Rivatex

The government is set to spend Ksh600m to revive the Rift Valley Textile factory in Eldoret.

Speaking while launching Uasin Gishu county infrastructure machines in Eldoret, President Uhuru Kenyatta said that the move would help create job opportunities for the youth.

In an earlier announcement, Deputy President William Ruto noted that the expansion of the Rift Valley Textile Mills (RIVATEX) was a confirmation of the government’s commitment to ensuring jobs creation for the youth and women, which he said would be guarded at all cost.

The DP also said the Jubilee Administration would work closely with stakeholders in the manufacturing sector in order to give a fresh lease of life to the ailing industry.

Ruto also said that by expanding the textile plant and purchasing equipment to facilitate manufacturing operations, the government would revive the cotton industry.

This comes after a fire in February this year destroyed property of unknown value at the company.

The fire was reported to have started inside a store before spreading to adjacent buildings.

The head of state, who is in the North Rift accompanied by his deputy William Ruto, also announced that the government has also set aside Ksh900 million to improve the New KCC and pay farmers their arrears.

Kenyatta further said that developing the country without discrimination was his main priority, despite the latest opinion poll outcome indicating that a majority of Kenyans were dissatisfied with his administration.

Rivatex was incorporated on 19th June 1975 and bought by Moi University in the year 2007.

Before going into receivership in 1998 and eventually ceasing operations in the year 2000, the mill used to consume an average of 2,800 tonnes of cotton and 550 tonnes of polyester/viscose resulting in over 15 million metres of fabric per annum.

This signifies the immense potential of the textile plant to break even within a short time.

Before its collapse it was the leading textile mill in East Africa, with a reputation of producing the best quality fabrics.

Despite having been in receivership for over seven years, the gap that Rivatex left was not filled.

As at now most of those clients who sourced their goods from Rivatex are ready to place orders of over USD 3,500,000 per annum.