Kenya is set to unveil the world’s first sustainable clothing factory valued at Sh69.4 million. Currently under construction in Athi River, the new 5, 000 sq m factory aims to significantly reduce energy use by 40 per cent, water consumption by over 30 per cent, and carbon dioxide emissions by more than 30 per cent, as part of the country's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030.
The project has garnered investment from several sources, including Sh69.4 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a joint venture with Modular Real Estate, and a Sh170.3 million loan from Trade Catalyst Africa (TCA). Expected to be completed by December, the factory is being constructed using upcycled containers to minimise its carbon footprint.
Experts predict that the factory will save an estimated 18 tons of CO2 and three million liters of water annually, highlighting the potential for sustainability in industrial design. Duncan Onyango, CEO, TCA emphasised the importance of sustainable industrial methods and expressed strong support for the project. He termed the investment as a great opportunity to build a scalable and sustainable industrial space for garment manufacturing and a symbol of the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
