Coimbatore-based Lakshmi Machine Works (LMW) will modernise Kenya-based Rift Valley Textile Mills (Rivatex EA) to help it compete with its global counterparts. The Indian Government has granted Sh3.016 billion to the textile mill for technology upgrade and the funds provided by India are expected to expand mill’s productivity.
The modernisation of the factory will help revive the cotton and textile industry and generate employment in Kenya. Sanjay Jayavarthanavelu, Managing Director, LMW, has also suggested reviewing the curriculum of Moi University School of Engineering to be in sync with modern industries’ needs, as per the African media reports. LMW experts had visited the institute for assessing its problems and Jayavarthanavelu added that the possibility of supplying advanced machinery to the institute needs to be examined to facilitate capacity building and skills development.
The slow growth of the textile industry is due to inadequate raw materials and high electricity costs in the country, said Adan Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Industry, Investment and Trade. The Government needs to offer electricity at affordable rates to maximise production.