In Summary

• Ruto led Kenyans in the celebrations at Muliro Stadium Bungoma County.
• He says in future there will be no need of importing local footwear.

President William Ruto today led Kenyans in marking 61th Madaraka day celebrations in Bugoma County where he shot straight what his government is doing to ensure  shoe factory in the country is improved.

He says in future there will be no need of importing local footwear as the government will be fully capacitated to produce the products locally.

“In this connection, we have committed to implement strategies aimed at increasing incomes from Ksh.15 billion to KSh.120 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 Ksh.72 billion by 2027,” said President Ruto.” Ruto said.

Ruto,says its government is keen in ensuring Kenya shifts its leather value chain from primarily exporting raw materials and semi-processed products to developing internationally accepted and competitive finished leather and leather products.

“We are developing local capacity to handle hides and skins to provide quality raw material, tanning as well as the local manufacturing of finished leather goods such as shoes, bags, and belts,” he said.

He further  pledged financial commitments aimed at enhancing the leather sub-sector. Among these commitments is the allocation of Ksh. 400 million for the upgrade of the Ewaso Ng’iro South Development Authority’s leather factory.

Leather Allocation

“Ksh.200 million of the funds will be used to acquire modern equipment, Ksh.100 million to build a footwear factory and Ksh.100 million to mop up 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,” he said.

“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.’’ Ruto said.