Book

Description

As climate change accelerates, industries worldwide face mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices, and Kenya's textile manufacturing sector is no exception. Contributing 56% of the country's industrial pollution, this vital yet environmentally taxing industry is at a crossroads. Challenges and Opportunities for Green Transitions in Kenya's Textile Manufacturing delves into the critical transformation required for a greener, more sustainable future in this sector. Drawing on in-depth research from Thika Cloth Mill and Rivatex East Africa Company, the book uncovers the environmental challenges posed by traditional textile production processes, such as wastewater pollution, excessive chemical use, and high energy consumption. It explores the integration of green practices in manufacturing, the role of sustainability reporting, and the socio-economic implications of transitioning to a green economy. Through a mix of quantitative and qualitative analysis, this work reveals significant barrierssuch as insufficient knowledge, lack of clean technologies, and limited government support—while identifying promising opportunities. From the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" framework to eco-friendly materials and emerging certification initiatives, the book presents actionable strategies to reduce the industry's carbon footprint. With its sharp focus on Kenya's unique challenges and global insights into green transitions, this book is a must-read for policymakers, industry stakeholders, environmentalists, and academics. It emphasizes the need for robust policy alignment and political will to create a just and sustainable future for Kenya's textile sector.