An association has been launched to promote investments in leather manufacturing. Leather Apex Society of Kenya (LAS) will also seek export markets for Kenya-branded products.
Secretary Beatrice Mwasi said the entire leather value chain had been activated to support full commercialisation emphasising value addition.
“We have adequate livestock to support the sector but we need to reverse the 90 per cent export of semi-processed leather and turn this into export of finished products, hence more jobs and establishment of more enterprises,” she said. Last year, Kenya exported semi-processed leather worth Sh5 billion, up from Sh4.6 billion in 2016.
LAS has roped in tannery operators, jua-kali-based manufacturers as well as pastoralists to create vibrant value chain.
Speaking in Nairobi, leather product manufacturers asked the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) to check imports through standardisation and ensure that only genuine leather is passed on to buyers.
Kariokor Cobblers Association spokesman Peter Kitheka said "good-looking" resin shoes were sold at extremely cheap prices, hurting local market for Kenya made shoes and other products like bags and belts.
PAYE Tax Calculator
Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.
