Nairobi: Italy has pledged to rejuvenate the leather and tanning industry in Kenya and the broader East and Central African region, partnering strategically with Equity as the financial backer.
According to Kenya News Agency, both the Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry have embraced this partnership. Principal Secretary for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, reiterated the government's dedication to enhancing the leather value chain. In a speech delivered on his behalf by Kenya Leather Development Council CEO, Dr. Isaack Noor, Mueke emphasized Kenyan authorities' commitment to fostering an environment conducive to large-scale investment in the leather sector.
The PS announced efforts to increase the supply of quality hides and skins by training slaughterhouse staff and developing infrastructure such as the Kenanie Leather Industrial Park in Machakos County. He also highlighted negotiations for global agreements and support for skills development as key components of this initiative. Mueke reassured investors of the government's support through legislative measures aimed at protecting foreign investments.
During a stakeholder meeting at the Equity Centre in Nairobi, Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, remarked that the agreement marks a pivotal step in strengthening ties between Kenya and Italy, particularly in the leather industry. Ambassador Natali, accompanied by a delegation of Italian leather industry experts, expressed eagerness to explore capacity-building opportunities and establish more tanneries in the region. He emphasized Italy's commitment to sharing knowledge, best practices, and technology with Kenyan industry players.
Ambassador Natali underscored Kenya's potential to become a regional hub for leather processing, given its abundant livestock and growing industrial base. He assured support for industry players, particularly in creating job opportunities for the youth. The ambassador highlighted the importance of the delegation's week-long knowledge exchange, which included field visits to local livestock farms, slaughterhouses, leather processors, and manufacturers of related products.
Equity Group's Chief Strategy Officer, Brent Malahay, outlined the financial institution's plan to catalyze Africa's potential through the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP). He noted Kenya's growth potential in key sectors, with leather products being a significant subsector. Malahay invited investors to explore partnerships with Equity, highlighting the country's robust value chain supported by Equity.
Italian specialists, including manufacturers of machinery and chemicals for the leather industry, expressed readiness to help develop a sustainable leather value chain in the region. Representatives from Italian leather industry associations, such as UNPAC, UNIC, and ICEC, endorsed the partnership. The delegation's field visits to livestock farms and hides and skins processors, including Farmers Choice and Alpharama, were aimed at fostering connections with local stakeholders.
Agostino Apolito, General Director of ASSOMAC, outlined how Italian expertise could benefit Kenyan farmers and traders through skills and technology transfer and enhanced market access. Local industry players, like Sambasiva Rao Pamidimukkala, MD of Alpharama Tannery, welcomed the development drive by Equity, sharing how their tannery expanded regionally and globally with Equity's support.
The knowledge exchange visit follows a cooperation agreement between Equity and the Kenya Investment Authority under the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry. This partnership is focused on revitalizing Kenya's investment landscape, beginning with the leather industry. Through these initiatives, Equity aims to drive socio-economic transformation in Kenya's leather industry, fostering a competitive and globally recognized sector.