By John Kariuki
In a landmark move to unlock the vast potential of Kenya’s leather industry, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja has officially launched the Kenya Leather Development Council (KLDC) Strategic Plan for 2022/23–2026/27. The event highlights the government’s commitment to transforming the sector into a major contributor to the country’s socio-economic growth.
Currently valued at Kshs. 15 billion, the leather industry in Kenya has immense untapped potential, with projections indicating it could soar to Kshs. 120 billion over the next five years. This growth trajectory could also see the sector create up to 100,000 jobs, a significant leap from the current 17,000 positions—7,000 formal and 10,000 informal—currently available in the industry.
The new strategic plan offers a comprehensive roadmap for the future of the industry, setting clear goals and actionable measures to propel KLDC towards realizing its mission and vision. By providing a robust framework for growth, the plan seeks to position Kenya’s leather industry as a key pillar of the nation’s economic transformation.
In attendance at the unveiling were Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke and other influential figures from the leather sector, who all expressed their strong support for the strategic initiatives. The plan is expected to drive innovation, improve quality standards, and elevate Kenya’s leather products on the global market, reinforcing the industry’s role as one of the most lucrative commodities in global trade.
This visionary strategic plan is not only a catalyst for job creation but also a step towards making the leather industry a cornerstone of Kenya’s economic development.