Kenya today is focused on its developing value chain. There is an abundance of raw materials so Kenya can strategically partner with India for gaining experience not only for developing strong dominance in the spinning segment but also encash on the excellent state of art machinery manufactured by the Indian players. It is an opportunity not only for India but also for Kenya to bring in investment from India by showcasing its strong roots & culture in textiles & channelling investors & big players from India for growth & expansion of all.

Kenya has strong roots in the textile Industry & for years has been an entry point for sea trade & transport from Asian & Arabian countries. The textiles & apparel export in FY2021 has grown by 5% as compared to FY2017 however its imports in FY2021 have also increased by 10%. The market is driven by the imports of Man Made fibers having a share of more than 97% in total fiber imports having recorded worth US$ 73.3 Mn in FY2021. With a strong taste for fashion and skills the country in terms of value addition is directly exporting the end product i.e. garmenting, From the preliminary look, the country is having an excellent textile background with few missing lines where India & Kenya strategic alliance can play a major role.

Kenya imports most of its textile engineering and technology requirements. Its imports were highest in FY2018 recording purchases worth US$ 41.88Mn where spinning machinery was alone accountable for 28% of purchases followed by weaving and processing machinery. The imports of US$ 18.53Mn in FY2021 showed more inclination towards import of garmenting 35% share and processing machinery having a share of 31%. Spinning machinery one of the promising sector accounted for a 5% share. Majority of the machines around 44% were imported from China. India is the second highest exporter of textile machinery with a share of 29% showing the strong presence of India in the Kenya market.