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Kenya plans to scale apparel exports to the US and European Union to $1 billion (Sh152.7 billion) by 2025, Export Processing Zone (EPZA) chairman Richard Cheruiyot has said. The country currently exports $544 million (Sh83.07 billion) worth of apparel to the two markets.

Cheruiyot, who was speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Textile Machinery Exhibition (ITME) Africa and Middle East 2023 yesterday said Kenya will increase the value to $2 billion (Sh305.4 billion) by 2030.

“We are currently exporting $544 million to US and EU worth of apparel. By 2025, we project to reach $1 billion growing our exports to $2 billion by 2030,” Cheruiyot told investors representing over 23 countries attending the ITME 2023 event.

Kenya has several strategies in place to increase capacity in apparel production, including revival of textile factories to benefit cotton farmers, growing local industries, and creating jobs for the youth.

In addition, the US is providing $55 million (Sh8.6 billion) expansion of EPZAs in a move expected to boost Nairobi’s apparel exports.

Use of advanced technologies and development of the Green Energy Park in Olkaria Naivasha will also add to the push by industrialising the sector, while the Green Energy Park will provide a stable and renewable energy source for industries within the park, including those involved in apparel production.

Cheruiyot revealed that plans were under way to inof land under cotton from the current 40,000 acres 100,000 acres next year, with a target of 300,000 acres in the next 3 year.

“We are negotiating with a South Korea company to do synthetic fibre production,” he said.