Moi University owned textile plant, Rivatex East Africa Limited has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the County government of Kericho to revive cotton farming.
According to the university's Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey, the university is focused on transforming society through income generating activities and training of manpower.
“Being one of the best Universities in this region, we want to work with the community with the aim of fully utilizing our factory. Currently, Rivatex mills all the cotton produced locally and even imports from Uganda. The extension of cotton growing to Kericho County will make our factory to reach its optimum production,” said Prof. Kosgey during the signing of the MoU ceremony at the university premises, Monday.
"The areas of cooperation in the MoU include production and supply of quality textile materials, training, and research in areas of mutual interest, attachment and internship, allocation of space to sell textile products and production of cotton seeds," he added.
Prof. Kosgey acknowledged the visionary leadership of former Moi University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Richard Mibey, who spearheaded the revival of Rivatex and invention of Tami Dye that is used in dying of fabrics at Rivatex.
Rivatex Managing Director, Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat said Rivatex will inject over Sh50m in the project to supply farmers with free seeds and other inputs.
He said he shall do a contractual agreement with farmers to form cooperative societies that will engage Rivatex by supplying raw materials.
Kericho Governor Prof. Paul Chepkwony hailed Prof. Kosgey for the choice of the county noting that the project will boost his constituents in their efforts towards wealth creation.
The County Chief, who is a former Professor of Moi University said the revival of cotton growing will go a long way in boosting the national government's pillar of manufacturing.