The Regional Development Committee of the National Assembly has called on the government to release KSh 200 million to the Ewaso Ngiro South Development Authority (ENSDA) Leather Factory, to support its ongoing expansion and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Peter Lochakapong, the Chairman of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Sigor constituency, led a parliamentary delegation to inspect the factory’s expansion efforts. During the visit, he stressed that Parliament has already approved the necessary funding for the project, and there is an urgent need to expedite its disbursement.
“The government has allocated resources for the factory’s development, and it is now essential for the committee to monitor the progress of the expansion and ensure its timely completion” added Lochakapong
The committee expressed their satisfaction with the factory’s growth and highlighted the importance of the facility, noting that Ewaso Ngiro is one of the leather factories in the country and the only one owned by the government.
Lochakapong emphasized that the expansion aligns with the President’s vision of reducing the country’s reliance on imports by increasing local production.
He commended the factory for producing quality goods, including leather shoes, and urged stakeholders to continue supporting the facility.
“We can have locally-made goods branded ‘Made in Kenya’ – Ewaso Nyiro factory is a prime example,” said Lochakapong.
Lochakapong also underscored that the factory’s growth will generate more employment opportunities for local youth and contribute significantly to both regional and national economic development.
He further encouraged livestock farmers to take advantage of the factory’s operations by selling their hides, thereby directly benefiting from its expansion.
Additionally, the committee urged the community to support the factory by purchasing locally-made products, such as leather goods, to help sustain its growth.
Ngala Oloitiptip, the Managing Director of ENSDA, which oversees the factory, outlined the ambitious goals for the expansion.
He noted that the factory aims to double its leather production capacity, increasing its annual output from 1,200 metric tonnes to 2,400 metric tonnes once the expansion is completed.
Oloitiptip also stated that upon receiving the Sh.200 million, the factory will be fully completed and ready to operate at full capacity.
By John Kaleke
