Government’s spokesman inspects Rivatex East Africa Ltd
Government spokesperson Colonel (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna on Tuesday inspected Rivatex East Africa Ltd.
Speaking to the press Oguna urged youths and kenyans at large to embrace and engage in agricultural practices to empower themselves with skills that will empower them economically.
“I am glad to be here with you to discuss various issues that are important to our nation and improve the quality of life for our people but also create opportunities for the youth so that they can have something to do and be empowered to be their own employers.” Said Cyrus Oguna.
Putting more emphasis on manufacturing, the spokesperson called upon youths to consider manufacturing as a pillar in achieving the big four agenda as it is capable of creating the number of jobs needed
“As you are aware, in order for us to grow as a country, we must ensure that we are able to create jobs and the only pillar able to create many jobs is manufacturing pillar. All of the big four agenda have a component of manufacturing in them and this is because the government desires to create at least 1.3 million jobs every year.” Added Oguna.
Demand for cotton
The country’s demand for cotton is higher than the supply currently being produced within the country calling for importation of more cotton to balance the demands. Current production locally moved from 33,193 hectares to 148,000 hectares which is not enough for Rivatex and other companies as importation stands at 49 billion apparels.
“There are various opportunities that have come up in order to be able to have this factory running and i am pleased to determine that there is demand for cotton in this country. a lot of demand that cannot be satisfied,” said Colonel Rtd Cyrus Oguna, adding that for Rivatex to continue running, it imports cotton from neighboring countries to meet the demand yet there is land and there are many young jobless people in the country yet there are opportunities in farming.
Operations below par
According to the retired colonel operations at rivatex are below par with a current value chain of about 6000 – 10000 people both direct and indirect employment but the number is likely to go higher if the company operates at 100%.
“We are appealing to our young people to move away from the dependency on formal employment and engage in agriculture so as to supply raw materials to Rivatex and other apparel manufacturing plants in the country.” urged Rtd Colonel Oguna.
Oguna called on farmers to plant cotton as there will be market for their produce due to the current demand within the country.
“For us at Rivatex, we want to assure farmers that we will buy 100% of any cotton they plant. We need the cotton to make fabrics for school uniforms plus various items and the cotton we currently have is not enough. There are opportunities for income generation for people to farm cotton and there will be ready market for them.” Remarked Mr. Patrick Nyagah, Rivatex General Manager.
There are seeds, medication and extension services to cotton farmers in the region and anybody who wishes to engage in cotton farming is welcomed.
On pending government projects the spokesman said the bypass is 92% complete and in due time it will be completed, just like any other project under the Jubilee government.
“It is true that this government has less than 50 days in office, but that will not hinder incomplete projects from being finished as the succeeding government will have to finish them off.” Said Oguna.
By Ayago Lloyd
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