By Abdi Hussein
husseinabdi527@gmail.com
The Athi River based Export Processing Zone (EPZ) companies will now target the
global market as textile product exports normalize.
The textile industry bore the brunt of Covid 19 pandemic in the last six months
with most local companies opting for the local market to sell Personal
Protective Equipment (PPEs) and face masks.
The government temporarily lifted the restriction that compelled EPZs to
sell only 20 percent of their annual production in the local market to 100
percent in March to cushion them from Covid 19 effects.
That was after major export markets for EPZ products comprising Europe and the
United States shut down airports and sealed off their borders to curb the
spread of the virus.
The exportation logistics chain was
cut down prompting the government to intervene.
However most textiles are now focusing on exports as the global market continues
to stabilize.
EPZ chairman Paul Gicheru said the global market is opening up steadily and
companies under the EPZ umbrella are receiving constant orders from US and
Europe.
He said the positive trajectory has seen some of the companies that had laid
off workers recall them to provide the much needed human Capital.
“Most of the EPZ companies are now eyeing the global market. The market is
constant and they are able to sell in large volumes with better profit margins.
We are expecting a double digit growth in garment export in the next six
months,” said Gicheru.
The EPZ Authority is also eyeing expansion to foster the much needed growth
in local manufacturing.
A new company dealing with Avocado
value addition and export has recently opened doors at EPZ Athi River.
“EPZ is eyeing expansion of the industrial zones in various counties
across the country,” added Gicheru.
He said they have already reviewed the law to allow the private sector set such special zones.
“We are also encouraging local
companies for value addition of their products to reap maximum benefits in the
global market,” he added.
A spot check within Athi River EPZ zone indicates the Authority has dealt
with water shortage crisis by ensuring constant supply to more than 18
companies.
Government Covid 19 measures are adhered to with some companies operating in
shifts to avoid workers congestion.
New Wide Garment General Manager Ludoff Isinga said the company is operating at
70 percent with international orders now trickling in.
The company boasts of more than 6,000
workers.
Athi River EPZ zone is the financial backbone to both Kitengela and Athi River
towns.
It hosts more than 20 textiles companies and
others operating agri-business and food industries representing 15 countries from
Africa and globally.