The Kisumu National Polytechnic has started engaging Spinknit, Rivertex and other textile firms in the country in preparation for the launch of its textile hub in May.
Speaking at the institution during a breakfast meeting, Chief Principal Catherine Kelonye said that the hub, which will be an industrial-based learning institution to ensure hands-on experience, is 85% complete and is expected to admit its first cohort of students by May this year.
Kelonye revealed that the World Bank had provided Ksh1.08 billion for the construction of the hub.
She said that the hub will be one of the biggest in East Africa and will employ 500 people directly once it opens its doors.
The institution has already identified farmers whom they will commission to plant cotton, the school head said, while encouraging students within the catchment area to take up courses in textile technology.
Kisumu CEC for Education John Awiti said that the county will continue campaigning for technical education, noting that the county has 28 TVET institutions with 7,000 students.
The Polytechnic’s Council Chairperson Meshack Kidenda said that farmers in the region should now take cotton farming seriously.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Kisumu County Chairperson Israel Agina said that the only way to eradicate second-hand clothes was by the establishment of such institutions that will produce quality clothing.
By Fredrick Odiero
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
