(3 minutes read)
- Kenya’s earnings from textile exports hit KSh33.7 billion in the nine months to September 2021
- This is a 31.1% growth (KSh8 billion) compared to KSh25.7 billion a year earlier. Higher sales to the United State and the Netherlands catalyzed exports
- The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) –the US free trade scheme- allows Kenya to export selected goods at preferential terms to the US, at zero duty
Kenya’s earnings from textile exports hit KSh33.7 billion in the nine months to September 2021. This is a 31.1% growth (KSh8 billion) compared to KSh25.7 billion a year earlier. Higher sales to the United State and the Netherlands catalyzed exports.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) –the US free trade scheme- allows Kenya to export selected goods at preferential terms to the US, at zero duty. This facility, which was expected to end in 2015 after an initial deadline of September 2012, was extended by US lawmakers for 10 years until 2025.
The introduction of Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt) cotton, Kenya’s first genetically modified, insect-resistant cotton seeds, has boosted cotton farming as well as quality. Kenya produces an average of 25,000 bales of cotton against a demand of 200,000 bales annually.
Currently, Kenya’s textile and apparel industry, contributes just 0.6% to GDP and accounts for only 6% of the manufacturing sector. Its share in total exports is 7%.
