DRAFT KENYA STANDARD                       DKS  2857 :2018   
 ICS ICS 59.080.30    
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Cotton Industry - Code of Practice  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
©KEBS 2018          First Edition 2018  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DKS 2857: 2018                                                                                                        
 
ii                      ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  
 
 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
 
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
 
 
ICIPE  - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology  
AFA - Agriculture and Food Authorit y - Fibre Cro ps Directorate  
KIRDI  - Kenya Industrial Research And Development Institute  
KALRO – Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization  
Spin Knit Limited  
Spinners and Spinners Limited  
Egerton University  
Rivatex East Africa Limited  
Supra Textiles  Limited  
Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretariat  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
 
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya Standards shall be regularly reviewed. Suggestions 
for improvements to published standards, addressed to the Managing Di rector, Kenya Bureau of Standards, 
are welcome.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
© Ke nya Bureau of Standards, 2018  
 
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 130  of 2001  of the Laws of Kenya, copyright 
subsists in all Kenya Standards an d exc ept as provided under Section 25  of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of 
Standards may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in  writing 
from the Managing Directo r. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 KENYA STANDARD             DKS 2857: 2018  
 ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved            iii  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cotton Industry - Code of Practice  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS)  
 
Head Office:  P.O. Box 54974, Nairobi -00200, Tel.: (+254  020) 605490, 602350, Fax: (+254 020)  604031  
E-Mail: info@kebs.org,  Web:http://w ww.kebs.org   
 
Coast Region     Lake Region          Rift Valley Region  
P.O. Box 99376, Mombasa -80100   P.O. Box 2949, Kisumu -40100        P.O. Box 2138, Nakuru -20100  
Tel.: (+254  041) 229563, 230939/40  Tel.: (+254 057) 23549, 22396        Tel.: (+254 051) 21055 3, 210555  
Fax: (+254  041) 229448    Fax: (+254 057) 21814               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DKS 2857: 2018                                                                                                        
 
iv                      ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  
 
  
 
 
 
 
Foreword  
 
This Kenya Standard was prepared by the Blankets, non -woven, threads and fibres Technical Committee 
under the guidance of the Standards Projects Committee, and it is in accordance with the procedures of the 
Kenya Bureau  of Standards . 
 
This Code of Practice (CoP) contains information on  cotton production, processing and marketing. It aims to 
provide  requirements and guidance to all its stakeholders in the cotton valu e chain, with the objective of 
promoting sustainability.  It mainly focuses on quality, environmental protection, personnel safety and 
welfare.  
 
In developing this CoP, a review of the present practices in the Kenyan cotton sector was considered vis -à-
vis good industry practices.  In addition, reference was made to the policy, legal and regulatory framework 
that guide the industry operations along the value chain.  
 
The provisions of this CoP are not intended to replace relevant national legislation or good  practice on cotton 
production, processing and marketing. In the absence of national legislation and guidance, this CoP together 
with other national and international standards should serve as helpful guidance in improving the cotton 
industry.  
 
This CoP a lso provides guidance on the steps taken by  the Agriculture and Food Authority and relevant 
stakeholders in promoting the cotton sector. It is based on the provisions contained in The Crops Act, No. 16 
and reference materials which are listed herein.  
 
During the preparation of this standard, reference was made to following document (s): 
 
Cotton Handbook  
Crops Act No. 16  
 
Acknowledgment is hereby made for assistance received from these source s. 
 
 
 DRAFT KENYA STANDARD           DKS 2857 : 2018  
©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved                      1  
 
Cotton Industry - Code of Practice  
1. Scope  
 
This CoP sp ecifies requirements and recommendations based on best practices for site selection, land 
preparation, production, harvesting and postharvest management, ginning, lint classing, spinning, seed 
milling, fabric and finished products manufacture,  transportati on and marketing of cotton (Gossypium 
hirsutum) , see flow chart in Annex C.  
 
The CoP is applicable to all players across the cotton value chain including existing and prospective farmers, 
processors, cotton buyers, extension agents, researchers, regulators  and consumers.  
 
2 Normative references  
 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document  (including any amendments) applies.  
 
It is the responsibility of the user of this CoP to ensure that the latest edition of the documents, including any 
amendments thereof or new editions, listed below are referred to.  
 
2.1 Crops Act, No. 16   
2.2  Agriculture Fi sheries and Food Authority Act, No. 13. The statute law (miscellaneous 
 amendments) No. 7 of 2016.   
2.3 Occupational Safety and Health Act  
2.4 Kenya Seeds and Plant Varieties Act, CAP 326.  
2.5 Weights and Measures Act, CAP 513  
2.6 Pest Control Products Act, CAP 346  
2.7 Facto ries and Other Places of Work Act CAP 514.  
2.8  Environmental Management and Coordination Act  
2.9  Cotton Handbook  
2.10 Lint Sample Collection Protocol  
2.11 KS 2174: Measurement of physical properties of cotton fibres by high volume instruments - Test 
methods . 
2.12 KS EAS 287: Oil Seed cake for compounding livestock feeds - Specification.  
2.13 KS EAS 298: Edible cottonseed oil - Specification . 
2.14 KS ISO 1130: Methods of sampling for testing of textile fibres.   
2.15 KS 1829: Labelling of products - general requirements . 
2.16 KS 2659: Packaging of textile product s – code of practice (Mercy)  DKS 2857 : 2018  
            
                              ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  2 3 Terms and definitions   
 
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.  
 
3.1  Aggregation Store  
A store operated by a licensed seedcotton buyer under the provisions of  the Crops Act CAP No. 16 . 
 
3.2 Authority  
The Agriculture and Food Authority as established under Section 3 of the Agriculture Fisheries and 
Food Authority Act, No. 13 of 2013. The statute law (miscellaneous amendments) No. 7 of 2016.  
 
3.3 Biological control of pests  
Use of living orga nisms to regulate pest populations attacking a given crop or plant. Control agents 
include predators, parasites, fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes.  
 
3.4 Buying Centre  
A seed cotton collection store operated by an entity which is licensed to purchase seedcotton under 
the provisions of the Crops Act, No. 16.  
  
3.5 Chemical disease and pest control  
 Use of man-made  products to regulate pest and diseases.  
 
3.6 Cotton lint   
Fibre  produced  after ginning seedcotton.   
 
3.7 Cotton seed  
Kernel  produced after ginning seedcotton . 
 
3.8 Cultural disease and pest control  
Management of diseases and pests without use of chemicals, this includes destruction of crop 
residues, crop rotation and use of trap crops.  
 
3.9 Environment  
The physical factors surrounding human bein gs including land, water, atmosphere, climate, sound, 
odour, taste, biological factors of animals and plants and the social factor of aesthetics and includes 
both the natural and the built surroundings.  
 
3.10 Ginner  
A person (3.1 6) licensed to separate se edcotton into lint and cotton seed.  
 
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     3 
 3.11 Ginnery  
A factory where seedcotton is separated into lint and cotton seed.  
 
3.12 Grade A  
Seedcotton of superior quality as determined by the Authority;  
 
3.13 Grade B  
Seedcotton of lower quality as determined by the Authority;  
 
Note 1:  Grade is a scientific description of the quality of cotton  according to   the official standards.  
 
3.14 Cotton classification instruments  
An integrated high speed system for measuring basic cotton fibre quality parameters.  
 
3.15 Medium tilth  
Moderately compact and firm seedbed, which is not cloddy or loose.  
 
3.16 Person  
Includes an individual, entity, company, association or any other incorporated body.  
 
3.17 Seed  
Part of plant which is or is intended to be used for propagation  
 
3.18 Seedcotton.  
 Unginned cotton harvested from the field which consists of the seed with  the attached lint as picked 
 from the boll.  
 
 3.19 Seedcotton buyer  
A person (3.16 ) licensed to purchase seed cotton under the provisions of the Crops Act No. 16.  
 
3.20 Spinning Consistency Index.  
A calculation for predicting the overall quality and spinnability of the cotton fibre. The Index is based 
on individual c otton classification instrument  measurements  of length, length uniformity, strength , 
Micronaire and Colour  
 
 
 
 
 
 DKS 2857 : 2018  
            
                              ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  4 4 REQUIREMENTS  
 
4.1 Site Selection  
The site should be located in an area where cultivation is not restricted by any regulatory authority as per 
existing legislations. The site should be suitable for sustainable cotton production by ensuring that:  
 
4.1.1 The planting area does not contain any residue or contamination of hazardous substances that are 
likely to be of environmental concern or  posing health and safety risk.  
 
4.1.2    In case the planting area is located near or in the vicinity of an indus try, or in any high risk area, a risk 
assessment shall be conducted by regulatory authorities to determine the suitability of production sites. A 
risk assessment report shall be maintained.  
 
4.1.3    It meets the basic requirements for growing the crop as i ndicated in the  Crops Act No.16 and 
Cotton Handbook. The grower  shall investigate the temperature, altitude, rainfall (available moisture) for the 
site and carry out soil analysis to determine soil pH and nutrients.   All the corresponding records shall b e 
maintained.  
 
4.2 Land Preparation  
For optimum cotton production, the land should be prepared at least one month before the expected time of 
rains or planting.  
 
4.2.1  The selected land should be prepared using machinery or manual implements to  
attain medium ti lth in accordance with the Cotton Handbook.  
 
4.2.2   In conservation farming, herbicides recommended by Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) should  
be used.  
 
4.2.3  In water logged areas, furrowing is recommended to drain excess water.  
 
4.2.4  In areas with scarce rainfall, tied  ridging is recommended for soil moisture conservation,  
 
4.2.5  Soil amendment should be implemented where necessary to bring the site to its optimum production levels.  
  
4.2.6  Where pre -emergence weed control is required, appropriate pre -emergence herbicide should  
be applied and records maintained.                         DKS 2857 : 2018  
 
©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved          
     5 
  
4.3 Planting   
 
Planting can take place using machinery or manual implements.  Regardless of the seasons and methods 
(irrigation or rain fed), dry planting is recommended using varieties that are approved by the Seeds & Pl ant 
Varieties Act, CAP 326.  Planting should be completed at least one week before onset of the rains and 
records maintained (planting date, planting depth, seed rate, germination per cent and rainfall data).  
 
4.3.1  Seed  
 
Growers shall ensure that seeds for pla nting are packaged, labelled and treated in accordance with 
provisions of Seeds & Plant Varieties Act, CAP 326.  For traceability the farmer shall maintain a record of the 
source  and variety of the seed.  
 
4.3.1.1  Seed dressing with chemicals which have anti -funga l and insecticidal properties, shall be ensured to  
prevent early pest and disease infestations.  
 
4.3.1.2  The recommended seed rate and spacing for specific varieties shall be observed during planting.   
Seed should be placed at a depth of 3 -5 cm.  
 
4.3.2  Fertilizer  
 
4.3.2.1  Farmers are encouraged to use a combination of inorganic and organic fertilizers to improve soil  
physical and biological properties.  
 
4.3.2.2  The choice of fertilizer and the application rates should be guided by soil test results (see 4.1.3)  
 
4.3.2.3  Recor ds on the type of fertilizer applied shall be maintained  
 
4.3.3  Gapping and Thinning  
 
4.3.3.1  Gapping involves replanting empty hills within 3 -7 days after germination where the germination  
is less than 80%.  
 
4.3.3.2  Thinning entails uprooting excess plants 14 days after germi nation, to attain the recommended plant  
population and optimize on the nutrient utilization of plants.  
 
4.3.3.3 Records on the date of gapping and thinning shall be maintained by the farmer.  
 
 DKS 2857 : 2018  
            
                              ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  6 4.4 Weed Control  
 
Weeding is the destruction of unwanted plant s.  This reduces competition for nutrients, water and sunlight 
with cotton plants and inhibits build -up of pests and diseases in alternate hosts.  
 
4.4.1  Weeding is carried out using physical, cultural, mechanical, biological or chemical methods. The  
method used  should not injure the crop or cause damage to the environment.  
 
4.4.2  Where chemical method is used, the herbicide should be approved by the regulatory authority and  
farmers should follow instructions for use, provided by the manufacturer.  
 
4.4.3  Records on start an d end dates, the method of weeding and type of herbicides used shall be  
maintained by the farmer.  
 
4.5 Pests and Diseases Control  
 
To maximize returns, the choice of pesticides and fungicides should be determined by the results of the pest 
and disease sco uting and as per the recommendations given in the Pest Control Products Act, CAP 346.  
 
4.5.1  During growth period of the crop, scouting should be performed to assess the levels of pest and  
disease infestation.  
 
4.5.2  Pests and disease control should be managed by using cultural, biological and chemical methods.  
 
4.5.3  Where pesticides and fungicides are used, they shall be handled in a manner that ensures the safety  
of handlers and the environment as guided by Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and 
Environmental Man agement and Coordination Act (EMCA).  
 
4.5.4   Records on pesticides and fungicides used and their dates of application shall be maintained.  
 
4.6 Harvesting  
 
4.6.1  Seedcotton should be harvested immediately the bolls open to preserve quality. Thereafter, it is  
sorted  or classified into grades A and B in accordance with provisions of the Crops Act.  
 
4.6.2  Seedcotton should be picked when dry.  It is recommended that cotton is dried to attain a moisture  
content of 11% or less before storage  (refer to KS 124) .  
 
4.6.3  During harves ting, it is recommended to use bags made of cotton material to reduce the  
contamination of the seedcotton.  
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©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved          
     7 
 4.6.4  Avoid the use of sharp or blunt objects that may cause physical damage to the seedcotton during  
packaging.  
 
4..6.5 Records on weight per grade of seedcotton shall be maintained.  
 
4.7 Storage of Seedcotton, Lint and Cotton Seed  
 
The two grades (A and B) shall be stored separately to avoid mixing. Seedcotton may be stored in the farm 
store, buying centres, ginneries or aggregation stores.  These store s should meet the following conditions: - 
 
4.7.1  Dry, easy to clean and well ventilated to improve air circulation therefore preserve quality of the  
seedcotton (colour and other physical fibre properties) and to avoid build -up of excess moisture and rotting.  
 
4.7.2   Proofed against rodents, water leakage and direct sunlight. In the case of ginneries  and aggregation  
stores, installation of fire detection and fighting systems is recommended in accordance with the OSHA and 
The Factories and Other Places of Work Act CAP 5 14. 
 
4.7.3  It is recommended to establish a store monitoring schedule (daily, weekly or monthly) to reduce  
post-harvest losses, based on prevailing environment. A record on store monitoring schedule shall be 
maintained.  
 
4.7.4  Storage facilities at buying centres, gi nneries and aggregation stores shall be approved by the  
Authority before its use in accordance with the Crops Act No.16.  
 
4.7.5  The Authority shall schedule annual inspections to operational buying centres, ginneries and  
aggregation stores to check for complia nce with the Crops Act No.16.  Records of monitoring schedules and 
inspection reports shall be maintained by the Authority.  
 
4.8 Seedcotton Marketing  
 
Seedcotton marketing takes place between the producers and licensed seedcotton buyers in accordance 
with the Crops Act No. 16. The seedcotton buyer shall meet the following conditions: - 
 
4.8.1  Use weighing scales that are calibrated in accordance with Weights and Measures Act, CAP 513.  
 
4.8.2  Use the guiding floor price as established by various stakeholders under the gu idance of the  
Authority at the beginning of every season to ensure transparency in compliance with the Crops Act, No. 16.  
 
4.8.3  Undertake marketing at the premises  (buying centres, aggregation stores and ginnery)  licensed by  
The Authority.  
 DKS 2857 : 2018  
            
                              ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  8 4.8.4  The terms of payme nt should be as agreed between the parties with the guidance of the Authority.  
 
4.8.5  Records on the quantity and quality of the seedcotton purchased shall be maintained by the licensed 
buyer in accordance with the Crops Act, No. 16.  
 
4.9 Transportation  
 
Transportation of seedcotton by the farmer takes place from farm store to the ginnery, aggregation store 
(3.1) or to the buying centre (3.3) based on perceived returns.  The licensed buyer transports the seedcotton 
from the buying centre or aggregation sto re to the ginnery.  
 
4.9.1  To preserve quality, seed cotton shall be transported in respective grades A and B.  
 
4.9.2  The means of transportation shall be clean, dry and properly secured to   prevent physical damage,  
spillage, water, sunlight, dust and introduction o f other contaminants in accordance with the Crops Act, No. 
16. 
 
4.9.3  Records on seedcotton purchases and the list of the sellers at buying centres, aggregation stores  
and ginneries shall be maintained.  
 
4.10 Ginning  
 
Ginning is a process of separating the lint  (fibre) from seed using a ginning machine by licensed persons.     
 
4.10.1   For best practice, ginning of seedcotton grade A is carried out before grade B. Whenever grade B  
seed cotton is ginned, the ginning system shall be cleaned before ginning grade A, to ma intain the integrity 
of the lint quality.  
 
4.10.2  The seed should be stored in bags or in bulk at moisture content of 7% for quality preservation and  
clearly labelled in accordance to KS1829.  
 
4.10.3  The ginner shall maintain records on weight per grade for seedcotton,  lint and seed.  
 
4.11  Lint Baling , Sampling and Labelling  
 
4.11.1 Lint Baling  
 
4.11.1.1  Baling is the process of pressing the lint into the prescribed weights and volume. (Refer to Crops 
Act, No.16).  Cotton lint is pressed into bales weighing between18 5 to 220 kilograms (Kgs). Other bale 
weights can be considered depending on the consumer preference and subject to approval by the Authority. 
The weighing equipment should be calibrated in accordance with the Weights and Measures Act, CAP 513.  
                        DKS 2857 : 2018  
 
©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved          
     9 
 14.11.1 .2 Records on the  calibration of equipment,  weight and grade of each bale shall be maintained.  
 
4.11.1 .3 Bales  shall be wrapped using high density polyethylene paper or cotton cloth to preserve lint quality 
and secured using natural or synthetic fibre materia l lashings. Bales of different grades should be stored 
separately to avoid mix up.  
 
4.11.1. 4 The lint bales should be stacked on pallets and avoid direct contact with the walls awaiting 
marketing.  Bales should be stacked in such a manner as will ensure th e stability of the bales and prevent 
any fall or collapse of the stacks.   It should allow easy access for human and machinery and not to interfere 
with the lighting, ventilation and safety equipment in accordance with OSHA.  
 
4.11. 1  The conditions specifi ed in clause 4.7 (storage)  of this document shall apply for the lint bale storage.  
 
4.11.2 Lint Sampling  
 
4.11.2.1  Lint samples shall be collected from each bale by the ginner during the baling process.  The lint 
samples shall then be labelled, packed, tra nsported and delivered to the Authority in accordance  to the Lint 
Sample Collection Protocol for classing (see clause 4.12 (Lint Classing).  
 
4.11.2.2 Samples collection from other sources shall be taken in accord ance to methods prescribed by  ISO 
1130 .  Each lint sample delivered to the Authority shall not be less than 300 grams.  
 
4.11.2.3 Records shall be maintained by the ginner on the samples in accordance with lint sample collection 
protocol.  
  
4.11. 3 Lint Bale Labelling  
 
The bales shall be labelled l egibly and indelibly in accordance to KS 1829  with the following information:  
4.11.3.1  product name,  
4.11.3.2  grade,  
4.11.3.3  client name  (mark of the producer),  
4.11.3.4  year of crop harvest (date of production),  
4.11.3.5  lot and bale number s,  
4.11.3. 6 bale net weight in kg,  
4.11.3.7  type of gin,  
4.11.3.8  cotton variety,  
4.11.3.11  country of origin .   
Note: Where ink is used for labelling , it should not penetrate to the fibre to avoid contamination   
 
Note: Where ink is used for labelling, it should not penetrate to the lint to avoid its contamination.  
 DKS 2857 : 2018  
            
                              ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  10 4.12 Lint Classing  
 
Lint classing is characterization of cotton by determining a number of quality parameters; primarily length, 
strength, colour, micronaire (fineness and maturity) and uniformity.   
  
4.12.1  After receiving the lint samples from each bale, The Authority classifies the lint by determining  
physical attributes using Cotton classification instruments to  establish the quality of the lint to promote trade, 
market access and maintain consumer confidence . 
 
4.12.2  The classing of the lint fibre shall be carried out in accordance to KS 2174.  
 
4.12.3  The calibration status of the cotton classification instruments shall  be maintained.  
 
4.12.4   Records shall be maintained for maintenance, instrument calibration and lint cl assing data by the 
Authority.  
 
4.13  Lint Marketing  
 
Ginneries are the main source of lint for processing by the spinning industries.  Marketing of lint is influenced 
by quality levels, global stocks and source (country) which directly impacts the price.  In addition, lint prices 
may be affected by the cost of other fibres and the fluctuation of exchange rate.  
 
4.13.1  The spinning industries are the main market outlets for lint. The industry prefer consistency (low 
variability) in lint quality between diff erent batches in order to achieve better spinning process efficiency.  
 
4.13.2  Records on lint stocks shall be maintained by the ginner.  
 
4.14  Spinning  
 
Spinning is the process of converting fibre into yarns using a range of spinning technologies and equi pment 
which are manual or mechanical.  The technology and equipment used will depend on cost, yarn quality and 
throughput.  Preferably, spinning should start after establishing the spinning consistency index during lint 
classing. The index assists in bale lay-down with the aim of optimizing the process.   
 
4.14.1  The equipment shall comply with safety requirements in  acordance to  OSHA.  To ensure safety, a 
monitoring schedule of the equipment, status report, energy consumption and any follow up actions sha ll be 
maintained.  
 
4.14.2  Records shall be maintained on the source and quantity of lint consumption and yarns produced to 
determine the process efficiency.  
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     11 
 4.15 Cotton Fabric Manufacturing  
 
Cotton fabric manufacturing may be carried out using non -weaving , weaving or knitting processes in facilities 
approved by the Factories and Other Places of Work Act, CAP 514, OSHA and by any other applicable 
legislation.  The process adopted depends on the desired end product.  
 
4.15.1  Nonwoven fabric is prepared direct ly from lint without spinning process where mechanical 
entanglement or resin bonding of fibres takes place to form a fabric.  
 
4.15.1.1  In woven fabric manufacture yarns run lengthwise and width -wise.  
  
4.15.1.2  Knitting is the art and science of making f abric by interlocking yarns around and through one 
another.   
 
4.15.2  The fabric may be dyed or printed and further processed in readiness for garment manufacturing for 
purposes of value addition.  
 
4.15.3  Fabric manufacture generates various waste material s which should be disposed and records 
maintained in accordance to EMCA and OSHA.  
 
4.15.4  Records shall also be maintained on quantity and range of products, energy consumption, type and 
quantity of dyes used.  
 
4.16  Marketing of Finished Products  
 
The f inished cotton products offered to the market shall comply with the requirements stated in the 
respective Standards specifications.  (Annex A: List of applicable Kenya Standards ). 
 
4.16.1  The products should be offered to the markets through licensed outle ts approved by relevant 
Authorities.  For greater market access and visibility, marketers are encouraged to link with agencies such as 
Export Promotion Council, Brand Kenya as well as advertising through multimedia.  
 
4.16.2  Records shall be maintained on s ales, inspection and testing of the finished products.  
 
4.17 Seed Milling  
 
Seed milling is the mechanical process of crushing cotton seed to produce oil and cotton seed cake 
performed by millers or ginning factories to allow further value addition.   
 
 
4.17.1 The miller shall employ optimal methods that will ensure production of quality seed cake and efficient DKS 2857 : 2018  
            
                              ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  12 oil recovery. The equipment used should be operated, maintained and calibrated as per the manufacturer’s 
recommendations.  
 
4.17.2  Records shall be m aintained on quantities of processed materials, oil recovery efficiencies, energy 
consumption, maintenance and calibration data.    
 
4.17. 3 To maximize returns to the value chain actors, cotton seed cake is primarily used in the formulation 
of ruminant ani mal feed complying with KS EAS 287.  
 
4.17. 4 Cotton seed oil is processed into edible and industrial cotton seed oil.   
  
4.17.4.1 The edible cotton seed oil shall comply to KS EAS 298.   
 
4.17.4.2  Industrial cotton seed oil may be used in the manufacture of  soaps, bio -diesel and paints complying 
with respective product Kenyan standards.   
 
4.18 Marketing of Cotton Seed Cake and Oil  
 
Cotton seed cake is widely marketed as a protein supplement feed for ruminant animals and is of special 
value to the dairy indu stry because it increases the butter fat content of milk.  
 
4.18.1  The main markets are ruminant animal feed manufacturers.  Additionally, dairy farmers purchase a 
substantial amount of the seed cake. Seed cake processed from dehulled cotton seeds fetch pre mium prices 
as compared to cake from whole seed milling.  
 
4.18.2  The edible oil is marketed almost exclusively to food formulation and processing industries.  It is sold 
directly as a vegetable oil for consumption as a speciality frying oil highly priced f or toasted or nutty aroma 
which it imparts to snack foods.  It is widely used in formulation of solid fat products because it forms small 
crystallites that provide these products with a smooth consistency, fluid plasticity and a prefered mouth feel.  
 
4.18.3 For greater market access and visibility, advertising through multimedia is recommended.  
  
4.18.4  Records shall be maintained on cotton seed cake and oil produced and sold . 
 
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©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved          
     13 
 Annex  A  
(Normative)  
 
LIST OF APPLICABLE KENYA STANDARDS (KEBS)  
 
Note that thi s list is not exhaustive and only includes some of the most commonly used standards  
 
A1 KS 638 Absorbent Cotton Gauze -Specification  
A2 KS 508 Absorbent cotton wool for medical use - Specification (Third Edition  
A3 KS 1258 Code of practice for grading of s pun yarns - Part 1: Cotton yarns.  
A4 KS EAS 228 Cotton bedsheets - Specification.  
A5 KS 2245 Cotton ear buds - Specification  
A6 KS EAS 224 Cotton khanga - Specification.  
A7 KS EAS 155 Cotton yarns - Specification - Part 1: Grading by appearance  
A8 KS E AS 298   Edible cottonseed oil - Specification.  
A9 KS 2556 Impregnated cotton Swabs -Specification.  
A10 KS EAS 227 Knitted cotton fabric - Specification  
A11 KS 1305 Mosquito netting - Specification - Part 1: Round mesh cotton netting  
A12 KS 1393 -1 Specific ation for bales - Part 1: Dimensions and density of cotton bales.  
A13 KS 639 -1 Specification for bandages - Part 1: Cotton gauze bandages.  
A14 KS 367 Specification for cotton canvas (Third Edition)  
A15 KS 506 Specification for cotton dish cloths (First R evision).  
A16 KS 116 Specification for cotton drills.  
A17 KS 543 Specification for cotton embroidery threads - Part 1: Cotton embroidery threads  (Second 
 Edition).  
A18 KS EAS 224 Specification of Cotton Khanga  
A19 KS 528 Specification for flat cotton wicks  
A20 KS 540 Specification for pillow cases.  
A21 KS 479 Specification for sewing threads - Part 1: Cotton sewing threads   
A22 KS 1113 -1 Specification for spun yarns - Part 1: Cotton yarns.  
A23 KS 607 -8   Specification for standard fabrics - Part 8:  Cotton.  
A24 KS 542 -1 Specification for the national flag of Kenya - Part 1: Cotton, man -made fibres and blends.  
A25 KS 1257 -1 Specification for umbrella fabrics - Part 1: Cotton fabrics.  
A26 KS 586 -1 Specification for webbings - Part 1: Cotton webbing.  
A27 KS 117 -3 Woven blankets - Specification - Part 3: Cotton leno cellular blankets.  
A28 KS 364   Woven cellulosic fibre apparel fabrics – Specification  
A29 KS 541 -1 Woven fabrics for uniforms - Specification - Part 1: Cotton, man -made fibres and 
 blends  
 DKS 2857 : 2018  
            
                              ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  14 Annex  B  
(Informative)  
 
LIST OF RECORDS  
 
B1 A risk assessment report on suitability of production site  (Clause 4.1.2).  
B2 Site assessment report (Clause 4.1.3 and 4.2.5).  
B3 Planting records (Clause 4.3)  
B4 Weed, pest and disease control records (Clause 4. 4 and 4.5)  
B5 Harvesting record. (Clause 4.6)  
B6 Store monitoring schedule record (Clause 4.7) 
B7 Seedcotton marketing and transportation record. (Clause 4.8 and 4.9)  
B8 Ginning and sampling records. (Clause 4.10, 4.11 and 4.13).  
B9 Instrument calibration and lint classing Records.  (Clause 4.12)  
B10  Equipment status, energy and lint consumption and yarn production reports  (Clause 4.14).  
B11 Energy consumption, type and quantity of products and dyes (Clause 4.15)  
B12 Sales, inspection and testing records (C lause 4.16)  
B13  Quantities processed, stocks and equipment records (Clause 4.17 and 4.18)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                        DKS 2857 : 2018  
 
©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved          
     15 
 Annex  C  
(Normative)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 1.  Flowchart on the Main Steps in Cotton Value Chain  
 
 Lint Seed  SITE SELECTION AND 
LAND PREPARATION  
GINNING  START  
WEEDING, PEST AND 
DISEASE CONTROL  
HARVESTING AND 
STORAGE  
SEED COTTON 
MARKETING  
END  Output  
LINT BALING AND 
MARKETING  
SPINNING  
COTTON FABRIC 
MANUFACTURING  
MARKETING OF 
FINISHED PRODUCTS  SEED MILLING  DKS 2857 : 2018  
            
                              ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  16  
Bibliography  
 
[1] Cotton Facts  
[2] Lint sample collection protocol