In a significant stride towards bolstering the textile industry within the region, the Kisumu National Polytechnic is on the brink of launching a Sh1.2 billion textile technology factory, a venture funded by the World Bank through the EAST Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP). This ambitious project aims to nurture skills and competencies essential for driving the sector forward, focusing on high-quality training, problem-solving, research, innovation, and technology transfer.
According to Catherine Kelonye, the Chief Principal of Kisumu National Polytechnic, the construction of this state-of-the-art facility is currently 85% complete. The institution anticipates the contractor to finalize and hand over the site by the end of this fiscal year. She revealed that part of the modern equipment, procured from China and India, has already been received and will be installed in preparation for the facility’s commissioning slated for July.
Kelonye further highlighted that Kisumu National Polytechnic has meticulously developed a relevant curriculum, gearing up to launch eight textile technology programmes by May this year. This development is particularly noteworthy as it positions the institution as the sole provider of a learning industry in the country, offering learners unparalleled hands-on training to equip them for the job market.
“We are pioneering a dual model of training, equally split between classroom instruction and industry application. This unique approach, coupled with our role in developing the curriculum and occupational standards in textile technology, sets us apart,” Kelonye stated.
To amplify the impact of this training, the polytechnic has forged partnerships with several institutions, allowing for a broader roll-out of the programmes. Notably, certifications will be issued by Kisumu National Polytechnic, ensuring a standardized level of training. Collaborations with industry stalwarts such as Rivatex, Spin-Knit, Thika Mills, and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also in place to facilitate industry linkages.
Kelonye appealed to parents to seize this opportunity by enrolling their children in the course, promising a plethora of opportunities both locally and internationally, especially in countries like China and India where the machinery has been sourced.
Eng. Meshack Kidenda, the Kisumu National Polytechnic Council Chairman, echoed Kelonye’s sentiments, declaring the industry a transformative force for the local textile sector. He emphasized the practical aspect of the training, where learners will experience the entire process of converting raw cotton into fabric. Eng. Kidenda also encouraged farmers to revive cotton farming, leveraging the support from county governments and the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) to escalate production, with a portion of the output being purchased by the factory itself.
This pioneering project not only aims to revitalize the textile industry in Kenya but also serves as a model for integrating educational institutions with industry needs, promising a brighter future for aspiring professionals in the textile sector.
Kisumu City News
.
