Kisumu gets Sh1.9 billion shoe factory

KISUMU, KENYA: The Ministry of Industry and Enterprise Development has constructed a leather tanning and processing industry in Kisumu at a cost of Sh1.9 billion.

Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI)'s Acting CEO Eng Joseph Kamau said they have so far spent Sh800 million in construction and equipping one phase of the facility.

"We have five areas we are looking at equipping. The leather, food technology, energy, natural products and analytical laboratories," Kamau said.

He said the new center is targeting clients from western Kenya region and by extension, countries within the East Africa Community (EAC). The Principal Secretary in the State Department of Industry Julius Korir confirmed that Kibos based facility is ready.

"Construction of the leather tanning and processing Industry is complete. Some of the equipment has already been delivered," he said.

As for the remaining equipment needed for activities at the facility to kick-off, he said there was a delay in dispatch.

“There is a slight delay in dispatch while importing the machines. But we promise that the consignment will be here by next month," he said while addressing Jua Kali Artisans in Kisumu.

The PS said they are also putting up a facility to produce shoes and belts at Kariokor in Nairobi at a cost of Sh1.4 million.

"We will work together with Kisumu County Government and Jua Kali artisan officials, and also work through the National Budget to develop a business model to operationalize facilities under construction," he said.

Kisumu Centre Juakali Artisans Association Chairman Jacob Ouma asked the industrialization ministry to help them access modern state of the art machinery and technology to enable them produce goods that can be exported.