The government has taken a big step to revive the leather industry by signing a lease agreement that will see the opening of the long-delayed Kenanie Leather Industrial Park in Machakos County.

The lease signing marks the end of a 10-year delay that had stalled the full use of the park. The park is now expected to boost local leather production, reduce reliance on imports, and open up employment opportunities for many Kenyans.

“The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry has officially announced the signing of a lease agreement between the Kenya Leather Development Council (KLDC) and the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), paving the way for the long-awaited launch of the Ksh5 billion Kenanie Leather Industrial Park in Machakos County,” the Ministry said in a statement on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

“This is seen as a major step forward in attracting investors to the leather sector and is expected to create many direct and indirect job opportunities,” the statement added.

Kinyanjui urges swift action

The signing ceremony was led by Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui, who called for quick action to make the park fully operational.

“Leather is a multi-billion-shilling industry that, if well managed, has the potential to uplift livestock farmers’ livelihoods and drive economic growth by enhancing local production and exports,” Kinyanjui said.

He noted that many Kenyan leather and shoe producers depend on imported goods because of low local supply. He challenged KLDC to work closely with slaughterhouses and teach best practices to reduce damage to hides and skins during collection and processing.

The park is well-equipped with modern facilities, including leather factories, tanning units, serviced plots, electricity, clean water, ICT services, and a waste treatment plant.

The agreement was signed by KLDC Board Chair Mohammed Adan, KLDC CEO Issack Noor, EPZA Board Chairperson, and EPZA CEOs Richard Cheruiyot and Richard Omelu.

Also present at the event were the Principal Secretary for Industry, Juma Mukhwana, and the Principal Secretary for Investment, Abubakar Hassan.

The launch of the park is expected to not only boost leather exports but also improve the incomes of farmers and manufacturers across the country.