Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry has announced a major breakthrough for the country’s leather sector after a lease agreement was signed to operationalize the long-awaited Kenanie Leather Industrial Park in Machakos County.

The agreement was reached between the Kenya Leather Development Council and the Export Processing Zones Authority, paving the way for the Ksh 5 billion project to finally come to life.

The move is expected to attract investors and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the leather value chain.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Hon. Lee Kinyanjui who urged swift action to get the park running.

“Leather is a multi-billion-shilling industry which, if properly harnessed, can transform the livelihoods of livestock farmers and boost economic growth through local production and export”

Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry

He noted that many local manufacturers of footwear and leather goods are forced to import materials due to limited domestic supply.

He called on the Kenya Leather Development Council to work closely with slaughterhouses and offer training to reduce damage to hides and skins at the source.

The deal ends a decade-long delay in opening the park which boasts modern infrastructure including tanneries, leather manufacturing warehouses, serviced plots, electricity, water, ICT facilities, and a common effluent treatment plant.

The agreement was signed by KLDC Board Chair Capt. Mohammed Adan, KLDC CEO Dr. Issack Noor, EPZA Board Chairperson, and EPZA CEO Richard Cheruiyot and CEO Richard Omelu. Senior government officials including the Principal Secretary for Industry Dr. Juma Mukhwana and Principal Secretary for Investment Mr. Abubakar Hassan also attended the event.

Source – Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry