Kenya signed key agreements on March 26, 2026, during the Kenya International Investment Conference in Nairobi to boost its leather industry, including a $100 million financing deal and global partnerships. The move aims to develop the Kenanie Leather Industrial Park and position the country as a major leather manufacturing hub in Africa.
The agreements were signed during the conference organised by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry along with the Kenya Leather Development Council and InvestKenya. The event brought together industry leaders, investors and global partners to explore growth in the leather, footwear and leather goods sector.
The Kenya Leather Development Council partnered with KCB Group to unlock $100 million in financing to support the leather value chain from raw hides to finished products. The deal was signed by KLDC CEO Jimmy Odhiambo and Chairman Capt. Mohamed Adan.
Kenya is leveraging its position as home to Africa’s third largest livestock herd to build a strong manufacturing base. The Kenanie Leather Industrial Park offers ready infrastructure, environmental systems and a plug and play setup for tanning and production.
Italy’s ASSOMAC also signed strategic agreements to bring advanced machinery, improve skills and support businesses with better access to credit. Further discussions focused on technology transfer, capacity building and modernising tanning processes.
With strong funding and global partnerships in place, Kenya is now pushing to attract investment, scale production and become a key leather hub in East and Central Africa.
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