President William Ruto has announced plans to stop importing shoes into Kenya within the next two to three years. He made the statement during an Agriculture and Food Security town hall meeting at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi. Ruto emphasized the government's commitment to expanding local leather manufacturing and reducing reliance on imported leather products. This move is part of a broader effort to increase value addition in agriculture and manufacturing.
The government is working to increase the use of Kenyan leather by local manufacturers. Ruto stated that eight companies are already using Kenyan leather to manufacture products locally. He expressed optimism about the growth in local manufacturing, citing its potential to create jobs and retain more value within the country. The President highlighted the need for local manufacturers to improve product quality to meet domestic demand.
Ruto's remarks align with the government's efforts to boost value addition in various agricultural sectors, including tea. He noted that Kenya has traditionally exported tea without sufficient processing and is now seeking to attract companies to process tea locally. The government aims to reverse this trend and increase the country's economic benefits from its raw materials.
The leather sector is a key area of focus for the government, with plans to expand domestic production and reduce reliance on imported products. Ruto specifically mentioned footwear for uniformed officers as an area where local manufacturing can be increased. He cited the example of boots currently imported from China, which could be manufactured locally.
Increasing local production will create opportunities for Kenyan manufacturers and farmers while retaining more value within the country. Ruto emphasized the importance of agriculture in Kenya's industrialization, as it supplies raw materials for processing and manufacturing. The government's plans aim to link farmers to manufacturing industries and increase value addition in agriculture.
The President's statement reflects the government's commitment to supporting local industries and reducing reliance on imports. By boosting local leather manufacturing, the government aims to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and increase the country's economic benefits from its raw materials. The plan to stop importing shoes within three years is a key aspect of this effort.
The government's initiatives have already shown progress, with eight companies using Kenyan leather to manufacture products locally. Ruto expressed confidence in the growth of local manufacturing, citing its potential to drive economic development and create opportunities for Kenyan manufacturers and farmers.
Key points
- Kenya aims to stop importing shoes within two to three years by boosting local leather manufacturing.
- The government is working to increase the use of Kenyan leather by local manufacturers and improve product quality.
- The plan is part of a broader effort to increase value addition in agriculture and manufacturing.
