Dubai-based textile company, United Aryan (EPZ) Ltd. has announced to set up a textile manufacturing factory in Kenya at a cost of SH 11.5 billion (US $ 113 million). The construction work of the proposed facility near the Olkaria Geothermal Plant in Naivasha Town will begin by 2020.
The proposed facility, to be spread over a 20-acre land, will offer employment to around 10,000 Kenyans directly while 40,000 indirect jobs are also expected to be generated once the unit becomes operational.
More than 100,000 pieces of clothes will be produced at six units that will have 84 lines.
United Aryan currently operates at Baba Dogo’s Balaji Export Processing Zone in Ruaraka, where it manufactures apparels for export.
This is the first such big investment the country has received as part of KenGen’s plans to establish an industrial park near the geothermal plants at Olkaria.
Trousers, knit tops, fleeces, shirts, robes and pyjamas will be manufactured at this upcoming textile factory.
“The products manufactured at the facility will be exported to markets in other countries such as the US and Europe, in addition to sale in Kenya,” Pankaj Bedi, company’s Founder and Chairman was quoted as saying in media reports.
The firm’s expansion falls in line with Kenya’s goal of expanding its manufacturing base, which contributes about 10 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).
As per its website, United Aryan aims to create an apparel manufacturing hub in Africa that can employ the skilled population in Kenya and East Africa. The textile company also eyes at utilising AGOA status of Africa to accelerate industrial growth here.
