President William Ruto has expressed concern over the smuggling of Kenyan hides to West Africa, stating that the illicit trade is denying the country an opportunity to extract greater value from its livestock industry. Speaking during the Agriculture and Food Security Presidential Town Hall at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi, Ruto emphasized the need for Kenya to tighten controls on hides and skins while investing in local processing. He noted that the country should reduce the export of raw hides and skins and instead promote value addition locally.
Ruto highlighted that the issue is linked to Kenya's wider industrialisation agenda, arguing that agricultural raw materials should generate jobs and income locally instead of leaving the country in an unprocessed state. He stressed that the government is targeting the footwear market, promising that Kenya would stop importing shoes within two to three years. This move aims to boost local manufacturing and create jobs in the sector.
The President stated that local manufacturers must improve the quality of their products to compete with imports. He encouraged the growth of a local leather industry, citing the potential for job creation and economic growth. Ruto's comments come as part of a broader effort to promote value addition in the country's agricultural sector.
The smuggling of Kenyan hides to West Africa has been a longstanding issue, with many hides being exported unprocessed. This has resulted in a loss of revenue for the Kenyan economy, as well as a missed opportunity for job creation in the local leather industry. Ruto's government has vowed to take action to curb the smuggling and promote local processing.
According to Ruto, the government is committed to supporting local manufacturers and promoting the growth of the leather industry. He noted that the sector has the potential to create jobs and drive economic growth, and that the government will do everything in its power to support its development. This includes investing in infrastructure and providing support to local manufacturers.
The Agriculture and Food Security Presidential Town Hall was attended by various stakeholders, including farmers, manufacturers, and government officials. The event provided a platform for discussion on key issues affecting the agricultural sector, including the smuggling of hides and skins. Ruto's comments on the issue have sparked a renewed debate on the need for value addition in the sector.
The Kenyan government has set a goal of stopping shoe imports within two to three years, with Ruto promising that local manufacturers will be able to meet the demand for high-quality shoes and leather products. The government will need to work closely with local manufacturers to achieve this goal, and to ensure that the local leather industry is able to compete with imports.
Key points
- President William Ruto has raised concern over the smuggling of Kenyan hides to West Africa.
- The government aims to stop importing shoes within two to three years and promote local manufacturing.
- Ruto emphasized the need for Kenya to tighten controls on hides and skins while investing in local processing.
