SEWING SUCCESS

Empowering Women in Kenya’s Textile Sector

By Lindy Mtongana. Multimedia by Maria Galang and Ted Kenya Productions for IFC

By 2033, 1.2 billion young people will reach working age. But the job market is expected to create a fraction of the jobs - 420 million - leaving the rest without a path to economic prosperity.

Founded in 2010 with just 100 machines and a dream, Royal Apparel Group has grown into one of Kenya’s leading textile exporters. From the very beginning, the company set out to prove that ethical manufacturing and business growth could go hand-in-hand.

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Today, over 5,800 workers - 70% of them women - power this transformation. For many, a job here is more than just a livelihood. It’s a turning point. A chance to build, to lead, and to rewrite what’s possible.

“Our staff are so skilled - they can handle any product, any day.” - Omprakash Shukla, Founder, Royal Apparel

IFC's $15 million investment includes $5 million from the Canada GROW Facility, the company is growing its operations, including the establishment of a new fabric mill. Overall the expansion is set to create 4,500 new jobs - 70% of which will be filled by women.

The facility is EDGE-certified for sustainability, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental standards through the use of renewable energy and advanced water reuse systems.