Kenya is positioning itself to become a regional leader in leather production and value addition, with the government targeting a significant economic boost from the sector by 2025. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Kenya’s economy through value addition and manufacturing, with the Kenya Leather Industrial Park (KLIP) in Kenanie, Machakos County, serving as a flagship initiative.
Kindiki made the remarks during an inspection of the ongoing developments at the park, emphasizing the massive economic potential of the leather industry. Currently, the sector contributes Ksh 15 billion to the economy, but through the KLIP initiative, the government aims to increase this figure to Ksh 175 billion by 2025. The project is also expected to generate over 100,000 jobs, a significant increase from the current 17,000.
The Kenya Leather Industrial Park is a cornerstone of the government’s broader agenda to accelerate industrialization and value addition across key sectors. “Kenya’s economic transformation depends significantly on value addition to raw materials and expanding manufacturing across key value chains. The Kenya Leather Industrial Park is central to achieving these goals,” said Deputy President Kindiki.
The KLIP development is progressing rapidly, with several key facilities already in place. These include a fully operational effluent treatment plant designed to treat water from EPZ factories along Mombasa Road, Athi River, and the leather factories within the park. Additionally, four warehouses, two for leather factories and two for finished leather products, have been completed.
To meet the March 31, 2025 deadline set by a Presidential directive, work is being fast-tracked to ensure the provision of essential services, including electricity, water, and permanent policing. The project has garnered support from key stakeholders, including Acting Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Aden Duale and Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke, who were part of the inspection team.
Through KLIP, the government aims not only to revolutionize the leather industry but also to unlock immense economic opportunities for Kenyans, positioning Kenya as a major player in the global leather market.
