Kenyan government to open mini tanning units
According to local media reports, the Kenyan government plans to open six mini leather tanneries by the end of July.
The new units will be located in Buna, Garissa, Wote, Isinya, Mogotio and Kanduyi.
Each cost Sh25 million (approximately $300,000) to build and will have a production capacity of 1,000 hides per week.
"This means that by the end of the year, Kenya will have 19 tanneries up from 13, which is the highest number in Africa," claims CEO of the Kenya Leather Development Council, Mwinyihija Mwinyikione.
Mr Mwinyikione hopes that instead of exporting raw hides and skins, the new tanneries will encourage leather producers to manufacture finished goods, particularly leather footwear.
Kenya currently produces around four million pairs of leather footwear, with Bata Shoe Company providing an additional two to three million. However, domestic demand far exceeds current production.
