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President William Ruto has announced plans to eradicate shoe importation in the country in the next three years.

Speaking during the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations held in Bungoma county on Saturday, June 1, 2024, the Head of State asserted that his administration was focused on investing in and developing the leather industry to support competitive export industries.

Ruto expressed that it was vital for the country to transform its leather value chain from exporting raw materials and semi-processed products to competitive finished leather and leather products.

“We are invested in developing our leather sub-sector to support competitive export industries supporting many thriving enterprises and households. In this connection, we have committed to implement strategies aimed at increasing incomes from KSh15 billion to KSh120 billion a year, multiplying job opportunities from 17,000 to 100,000 and raising annual footwear production from the current 8 million to 36 million pairs worth KSh72 billion by 2027,” Ruto said.

The president expressed his administration’s commitment to allocate Ksh400 million to upgrade the Ewaso Ng’iro South Development Authority’s leather factory to achieve the ambitious goal.

He added that Ksh200 million from the funds will be used to acquire modern equipment whereas Ksh100 million will be used to establish a footwear factory and Ksh100 million will be invested in hides and skins.

“Machinery for increasing processing capacity at the factory has already been procured and installed. To supply quality hides and skins, 703 flayers have been trained and subsidised flaying equipment provided to 680 slaughter points,” the president added.

“At the same time, the construction of the Kenya Leather Industrial Park at Kenanie, Machakos County, is 85% complete. This park will have a common effluent treatment plant, 2
tanneries, 2 leather manufacturing plants and 100 acres for investors to set up leather factories by the end of the year.”

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