In a bold move to revitalize Kenya’s leather industry and create thousands of jobs, President William Ruto announced on June 1st, during the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations, that the country will cease importing shoes by 2027.
This decision follows a previous commitment to halt maize imports by 2026. President Ruto outlined plans to end the annual importation of 15 million pairs of shoes, aiming to increase local shoe production from 8 million to 36 million pairs per year. This initiative is expected to boost annual turnover from Ksh15 billion to Ksh120 billion and create over 100,000 jobs, up from the current 17,000.
The government has committed Ksh400 million to upgrade the Ewaso Ng’iro South Development Authority’s leather factory, with Ksh200 million for new equipment, Ksh100 million for a new footwear factory, and Ksh100 million for purchasing hides and skins. The factory’s processing capacity has already been increased, and 703 flayers have been trained to ensure the supply of quality hides and skins.
Ruto emphasized the leather sub-sectors potential to support competitive export industries and numerous thriving enterprises and households. The strategy to transform Kenya’s leather industry began eight years ago, including the formation of a development council and a special economic zone for export-bound leather products.
