Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has advised traders in hides and skins to form a co-operative society to enhance their bargaining power when marketing their raw materials.
Speaking at his office when he met with officials of Nyeri Skins and Hides traders, led by their Chairman Mr. Joel Kahiro, the governor said the County Government was planning to establish a cottage industry where leather will be processed to enable locals to produce high quality end products such as shoes and bags.
He said an investor will help in the renovation of slaughter houses, training of 1,000 youth in the leather skills and procurement of necessary equipment to help in the establishment of the cottage industry in a bid of empowering skins and hides traders.
He assured the traders that his Government would protect their interests as the investor will not dominate the market since a memorandum of understanding will be implemented to ensure they are not exploited.
He added that one of the President’s big Four Agenda was industrialization and Nyeri County is at the front line to ensure its realization.
By Beth Ndirangu
