The Ewaso Ng’iro Tannery and Leather Factory in Narok County has become a game-changer for local livestock farmers, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s journey towards value addition and economic empowerment. Constructed in 2019 at a cost of Kshs 1.4 billion, the facility is a joint venture between the National Government and Narok County Government, and stands as the country’s first public leather company.
Before the factory’s establishment, hides and skins were often discarded, with many livestock keepers unaware of their potential value. Today, the factory processes up to 4,000 tonnes of hides and skins annually, producing 800,000 square feet of finished leather, creating 300 direct and over 5,000 indirect jobs. It is also projected to generate USD 8 million annually in foreign earnings once fully operational.
The factory’s impact extends beyond employment. Women, traditionally given hides and skins in Maa communities, now have a ready market, empowering them economically. Traders like Namunyak Salonik highlight how the facility has uplifted livelihoods, allowing families to afford education and better living standards.
Human Resource and Administration Director Richard Tankile emphasized the importance of modern livestock rearing practices to ensure quality hides. Through training sessions, farmers learn to avoid branding and protect their animals from ticks and other skin-damaging conditions, boosting the quality and price of their products.
Locally crafted shoes, including school, official, and casual footwear, are now a proud product of the factory, promoting the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” spirit. These products mainly serve local markets like Kariakor in Nairobi, with hopes of expanding to international markets.
Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura hailed the project as a key pillar under the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aimed at boosting grassroots industries. Plans are underway to establish more tanneries in counties like Isiolo, Uasin Gishu, and Mombasa to strengthen Kenya’s leather sector, targeting Sh120 billion in revenue and 100,000 job opportunities.
The Ewaso Ng’iro factory is not just processing leather; it is stitching together dreams, livelihoods, and a promising economic future for Narok and beyond.
