Kenya begins construction of eco-friendly garment factory

Kenya has started constructing the “world’s first” garment factory made from recycled shipping containers, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Trade Catalyst Africa (TCA).

The green garment and textile center is expected to save around 18 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and conserve 1,000 cubic meters of water annually. Located in the Athi River Export Processing Zone (EPZ), the factory is slated for completion by December 2024 and could become a model for sustainable industrial design.

The project uses recycled shipping containers as the main building material, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of construction. The factory will also utilize solar energy and rainwater harvesting systems to further enhance its sustainability.

Once operational, the factory will save an estimated 18 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually and conserve 1,000 cubic meters of water per year. The 5,000 sqm factory was funded by a $530,000 investment from USAID and a $1.3 million loan from TCA.

“This investment presents a great opportunity to build scalable and sustainable industrial space for garment manufacturing and symbolizes our dedication to environmental stewardship,” said Duncan Onyango, CEO of Trade Catalyst Africa. “By pioneering this unique industrial space, we are setting a new standard for the garment industry, positioning Kenya and Africa as leaders in sustainable manufacturing.”