Kenyan President William Ruto has expressed concern over the smuggling of Kenyan hides to West Africa, where they are consumed as food. Speaking during the Agriculture and Food Security Presidential Town Hall at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi, Ruto stated that large quantities of hides are being smuggled out of the country through unofficial routes. He cited this as one of the challenges facing Kenya's leather industry. Ruto emphasized the need for tighter controls on hides and skins, as well as increased investment in their management and processing.
According to Ruto, the problem lies in the fact that many hides are being smuggled through unofficial routes to West Africa, where they are eaten. He stated that Kenya needs to invest more in the management of hides and skins, and reduce the export of unprocessed products. Ruto also emphasized the need to promote greater value addition locally. This, he believes, will help create jobs, expand manufacturing, and improve returns to farmers. The President has been pushing for increased local processing of agricultural raw materials.
The movement of hides through unofficial routes is a significant challenge facing Kenya's leather industry. Ruto's remarks came during a summit with farmers and other agricultural stakeholders, which focused on food security, production, value addition, and the challenges facing the sector. The President aims to retain more value from livestock products and promote local processing. He stated that the government is working to increase the use of Kenyan leather by local manufacturers and reduce reliance on imported leather products.
Ruto has set a goal for Kenya to stop importing shoes within the next two to three years. He believes that the country can expand local leather manufacturing to meet domestic demand. The President stated that the government is waiting for local manufacturers to improve the quality of their products. This will enable the country to expand domestic production and reduce reliance on imports. Ruto's goal is part of a broader effort to promote local manufacturing and create jobs.
The leather industry is a significant sector in Kenya's economy, with the potential to create jobs and generate revenue. However, the industry faces several challenges, including the smuggling of hides and skins. Ruto's administration is working to address these challenges and promote local processing. The President's remarks have been welcomed by farmers and other stakeholders, who believe that increased local processing will improve returns to farmers and promote economic growth.
Kenya's leather industry has the potential to contribute significantly to the country's economy. However, the industry requires support from the government and other stakeholders to realize its full potential. Ruto's administration is working to provide this support, including investment in the management and processing of hides and skins. The President's goal of stopping shoe imports within two to three years is ambitious, but achievable with the right support and investment.
The Agriculture and Food Security Presidential Town Hall is part of Ruto's efforts to engage with farmers and other stakeholders on key issues affecting the sector. The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the sector. Ruto's remarks on the leather industry have sparked a renewed focus on the sector, with many stakeholders calling for increased investment and support.
Key points
- Kenya's President William Ruto aims to stop importing shoes within two to three years by expanding local leather manufacturing.
