Cotton farmers set to reap big with launch of new ginnery

Cotton farmers in Lamu County can now breathe a sigh of relief following the official launch of a new cotton ginnery at Baharini in Mpeketoni, a development set to transform the region’s cotton industry.

The facility, established by Thika Cloth Mills, is expected to significantly boost cotton processing, improve incomes for local farmers and revitalize the textile sector in line with the government’s “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” agenda.

Presiding over the launching ceremony, Trade, Investment and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, lauded the project as a major milestone in the journey toward industrialization and economic empowerment.

“This ginnery will enhance cotton uptake, increase farmers’ earnings, create jobs and ensure a steady supply of raw materials for the textile industry,” said Kinyanjui.

He added that the initiative aligns with President William Ruto’s directive that all uniforms for disciplined forces be produced locally using Kenyan fabrics.

As part of the launch, the Ministry flagged off trucks loaded with 80 tons of certified cotton seeds destined for distribution to Lamu farmers.

This move aims to address the acute shortage of quality seeds that has long hampered cotton farming in the region. The seeds will help improve productivity and ensure sustainable supply to the new ginnery.

Thika Cloth Mills Chief Executive Officer Tejal Dhodhia described the establishment of the ginnery as a personal mission to empower farmers.

“Lamu is the largest cotton-growing area in Kenya, yet farmers have struggled due to lack of local processing facilities. This project seeks to change that,” she said.

Tejal thanked both the national and county governments for their unwavering support, particularly the provision of land for the construction of the ginnery.

She pledged her continued commitment to supporting government efforts to grow the local textile industry and reaffirmed her belief in the potential of Kenyan cotton.

“This is our contribution to the vision of Buy Kenya, Build Kenya. We believe in Kenyan farmers and their ability to drive this country’s textile future,” she said.

Mpeketoni farmers welcomed the move, terming it a long-overdue reprieve from years of logistical challenges.

“We used to transport our cotton all the way to Makueni, Kitui, and Meru for processing. This facility will not only save us time and cost, but also create job opportunities right here,” said Lucy Kimani, a local farmer.

She expressed hope that the project would stimulate the entire cotton value chain by easing the separation of lint and seeds.

Her sentiments were echoed by fellow farmers Njuguna Kagia, who hailed the ginnery as a lifeline for local agriculture.

“With the project now underway, stakeholders remain optimistic that Lamu’s cotton industry is finally set for a vibrant rebirth” said Kagia.