By metros.co.ke/
Published: May 6, 2025
President William Ruto has officially launched the Ksh.1.5 billion Ewaso Ng’iro Tannery and Leather Factory in Narok County, marking a major step toward boosting Kenya’s leather industry and local manufacturing.
The government project aims to strengthen the leather value chain, focusing on local processing and shoe production while reducing reliance on imported footwear.
“We want to discourage shoe imports and create jobs for our youth through local production,” said President Ruto during the commissioning ceremony.
Government Investment and Expansion
The President announced Ksh.400 million will be allocated to:
- Purchase raw hides and skins
- Acquire modern equipment
- Expand shoe production at the facility
Ruto emphasized that industrialisation, job creation, and value addition to raw materials are central to transforming Kenya’s economy.
Boosting Leather Production and Jobs
The newly upgraded tannery can now process 4,800 metric tonnes of hides and skins annually, up from 1,200 metric tonnes, producing approximately 4.8 million square feet of finished leather.
The factory is projected to create:
- 150 direct jobs
- Over 3,000 indirect jobs across the supply chain, including:
- Livestock farmers
- Abattoirs
- Small businesses in footwear and leather goods
President Ruto also urged pastoralists to adopt improved flaying techniques to enhance the quality of hides, helping them earn higher incomes and remain competitive in the market.
Supporting Local Markets
In addition to the factory launch, President Ruto inaugurated two modern fresh produce markets in Suswa and Ntulele. These are the first markets under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which plans 400 new markets nationwide, with 260 already under construction.
“Transformation takes time, but by 2027, I will have fulfilled my promises to the people of Kenya,” the President stated, addressing critics.
Community Support
Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu and Kajiado Governor Joseph Lenku praised the President’s leadership, highlighting the Maa community’s support due to his inclusive and transformative policies.
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