Yatta cotton farmers have called on the government to protect local textile industries as part of the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative, emphasizing that this would significantly boost youth employment.
They expressed gratitude for the recent increase in cotton prices from Ksh 52 to Ksh 72 per kilogram, seeing it as a substantial benefit that could encourage more people to engage in cotton farming.
The farmers, led by David Kitiku from Kiwanzani in Ndalani made the remarks while selling their harvest to Thika Cloth Mills, urging the government to support the revival of the cotton industry to help drive the country’s economic growth.
Kitiku who managed to sell 700 kilograms of Cotton said Cotton had proved predictable than maize and beans saying he had only planted one acre.
He said many people would rather go for Cotton as maize reguired much rain while Cotton reguired only little rain.
And while announcing the prices increase, Tejal Dothia, CEO of Thika Cloths Mills, during a visit to the cotton fields of Ndalani said this was inline with the government’s renewed focus on cotton farming that has sparked optimism among the farmers, who have faced years of low prices and inconsistent support.
Tejal, while addressing the farmers, reassured them of the company’s continued support, which includes the provision of seeds and pesticides.
She highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the government to ensure timely delivery of seeds, noting that last season alone, she gave out seeds worth over Ksh 50 million to cotton-growing counties, including Yatta.
“We’re committed to ensuring you have what you need to succeed.The government has procured even more seeds this year, so we anticipate a smoother planting season,” Tejal stated.
Francis Kilango, chairman of the Uvouni Cotton Farmers Cooperative Society and the cotton representative for the Lower Eastern region, praised both Thika Cloths Mills and the government for their efforts to revive the Cotton industry.
He called on the Machakos county government to borrow a leaf from the national government and prioritize cotton farming in its development agenda, emphasizing the need for more resources, such as seeds pesticides and farm inputs.
“We are thankful to President William Ruto for making cotton a national priority. This price increase has encouraged many to return to cotton farming, but we need continued support to make this industry thrive,” Kilango said.
Kilango urged newly elected Cabinet Secretaries to visit the farmers and witness their challenges firsthand, emphasizing the need for actionable policies.
He also divulged that Makueni didn’t plant Cotton as before because they lacked seeds saying this should not happen when the country is keen on revitalizing the Cotton industry.
He emphasized the need for the government to stop cheap imports and support the local textile industries as by doing so, it would create employment to the youthful Kenyans.
Kilango said the government should learn from the former president Mwai Kibaki who introduced Bodaboda industry and put all jobless young people thereby reducing pressure on lack of employment hulluballoos.
