Kenya is set to strengthen its position in the regional leather industry as the government rolls out plans to double the annual output of the Ewaso Ngiro tannery.
The facility’s capacity will increase from 1,200 metric tonnes to 2,400 metric tonnes, translating into 4.8 million square feet of leather production annually.
This move aims to enhance Kenya’s competitiveness in the leather market while fostering local economic growth.
The announcement was made during a site visit to the Ewaso Ngiro tannery and leather factory by Ngala Oloitiptip, Managing Director of the Ewaso Ngiro South Development Authority (ENSDA).
Oloitiptip revealed that the expansion project is well underway, by the installation of advanced machinery that will undergo test runs in December 2024.
The new equipment will enable the factory to operate at full capacity and meet the growing demand for leather products.
He urged local suppliers to gear up for the increased demand for raw materials, stressing the need for a consistent supply of quality hides.
“Our goal is to double production capacity, not only increasing output but also enhancing the quality and variety of products available”
Ngala Oloitiptip, Managing Director of the Ewaso Ngiro South Development Authority (ENSDA
The Managing Director emphasized that the project is financially sound, with strong government support ensuring its successful implementation.
He called on stakeholders, including county governments and educational institutions, to collaborate in making the project a success.
Oloitiptip encouraged county authorities to help monitor hide quality and advised learning institutions to focus on training skilled workers for the leather industry.
Engineer Anderson Korir, a key figure from the Presidential Delivery Unit, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing challenges in the leather manufacturing sector.
“We’re working closely with ENSDA to overcome hurdles like skin quality. We urge locals to adopt advanced branding methods such as hydrogen branding to preserve hide quality”
Engineer Anderson Korir
He also applauded the ENSDA management for their relentless efforts in advancing Kenya’s leather sector, describing the tannery as a valuable economic asset.
