HIVOS AND EQUITY BANK INITIATIVE TO BOOST ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND EMPOWER YOUTH IN THE FASHION SECTOR

Hivos East Africa, Equity Bank Kenya, and the Association of Fashion Designers of Kenya (AFAD) have released the findings of a study that was commissioned by Hivos to analyze the impediments to sustainably integrate local fashion designers and small tailoring houses into the domestic retail platform, as well as the opportunities in regional and international markets.

The report titled; The Kenyan Textile and Fashion Industry highlights the state of the fashion industry and tries to examine how Kenyan designers and manufacturers can attract and tap into the global apparel value chains.

Speaking during the launch, Equity Bank Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Dr. James Mwangi said, “The findings that have been disseminated have been as a result of collaborative effort between us and it marks a key milestone in an effort to make the creative space more lucrative. It provides us with insights to make progress as well as initiatives that aim to drive the interdependence in our local fashion designers whose desire to be self-reliant is unrivaled, this will eventually strengthen the creative economy.”

According to Hivos East Africa’s Regional Director, Mendi Njonjo, “Kenya’s fashion industry remains largely untapped given its potential to create 300,000 jobs for women and youth in the country’s creative economy. Hivos sees the findings of this study, as an opportunity to ensure women and youth are part of this huge market. Besides employment and empowerment, the Textile and Cotton industry offers the possibility of renewable energy powered businesses and green jobs which is a big step towards sustainable development,’’ she said.

In conjunction with AFAD, the designers will be provided with networking program trainings and platforms to market their designs. The established fashion designers will be instrumental in nurturing the young talent on what is required to make it in the industry.

The report has recommendations on how to sustainably integrate local fashion designers into the clothing to fashion value chain in order for them to maximally benefit from industry that has all along been trying to find its place in the creative scene.

These findings come at a time when statistics indicate that Kenya’s local fashion design and apparel retail market is estimated at more than Sh33billion a year, according to the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM).

Financial institutions have been cited as some of the key players that will unlock the full potential of the textile and clothing sector with regards to creating jobs, generating incomes, strengthening trade, accelerating technology adoption, attracting investment, and promoting local women and youth entrepreneurs.