He was speaking in Machakos county at the commissioning of a new factory, Nexgen Packaging Kenya, in the Export Processing Zone in Athi River, Nairobi.

The investment would expand the nation's fashion industry, grow its apparel manufacturing base, and introduce new vertical integration capabilities to the textile sector, the president was cited as saying by a domestic media report.

The deal will also assist over 40,000 cotton farmers to raise cotton production.

“This partnership embodies the future of Kenya, a future built on solid investments, with skilled labour, efficient technology, quality manufacturing, and strong linkages with global markets,” Ruto said.

The government has raised acreage under cotton from 44,000 acres last year to 104,000 acres this year as part of efforts to increase domestic fabric production, he added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)