The state targets shifting from traditional revenue sources to unexploited frontiers in a bid to boost the country’s economy, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Performance and Delivery Management Eliud Owalo has said.
Speaking during a tour to the Ewaso Nyiro South Development Authority (ENSDA) leather factory in Narok, Owalo revealed that the government had pumped Sh1.1 billion into the industry that has a capacity to process over 2.4 million metric tonnes of hides and skins annually.
“Leather is one of the new frontiers we have in our economy as we have adequate raw materials and processing capacity. If well harnessed, then it can become one of those major players in our economy. This means in Kenya, we should not be importing any shoes,” he said.
Owalo observed at optimal capacity utilization level; the factory should be able to produce a lot of money that will be ploughed back to the economy.
The deputy chief of staff reiterated that the national and county governments will continue collaborating to see maximum utilization of the factory that has been in operation since 2022.
He also happened to be in Narok County to inspect completed and ongoing national government projects as well as engage the residents on the projects they wanted prioritized.
On the other hand, Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu who accompanied the Chief of Staff revealed that President William Ruto will be commissioning the factory in a few days’ time as the construction is now complete.
He reiterated that the factory is a big gain for the pastoralist’s community in Narok County who mainly keep livestock for their livelihood.
“The number of cows, sheep and goats slaughtered here is too many. We are expecting to employ more than 500 young men who can work in the factory,” he said.
The governor lauded the support from the national government and committed that the county government will continue supporting the factory to ensure maximum utilization.
Ewaso Nyiro South Development Agency (ENSDA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ngala Oloitiptip told the delegation that they had just completed the expansion of the tannery, where they moved from producing 1.2 million square feet to 2.4 million square feet of leather per year.
“The tannery is well utilized. We are in a stage where we can confidently say that we are able to sustain ourselves,” he said.
Also present during the factory visit were Narok County Women Representative Rebecca Tonkei, Narok South Member of Parliament Kitilai Ole Ntutu and Narok North Member of Parliament Agnes Pareiyo.
By Ann Salaton
