President William Ruto has announced plans to ban the importation of shoes in the next two years.
While speaking in Kajiado on Sunday, June 25, Ruto said shoes will be manufactured locally.
Moreover, the President stated that Kenya should capitalize on the production of animal hides to manufacture leather products locally.
He further noted that this move will help solve the unemployment issue for the youth as well as promoting local farmers.
According to the Head of State, it is senseless to have traders import expensive shoes while local farmers feed their hides to their dogs or sell them at throw-away prices.
“Ikifika miaka mbili ijayo mimi nitapiga marufuku viatu ambazo zinatolewa nje, sisi huwa tunatengeneza viatu na ngozi ya ng’ombe zetu hapa Kenya,” he said.
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“Ngozi yetu tunaenda tunapatia mbwa inakula alafu ngozi ya watu wengine ndio tunaenda kununua na bei ghali sijui shilingi elfu ishirini, elfu arubaini. Si hio ni upumbavu mwingi sana? Na hakuna miujiza inafanyika ni hio hio ngozi tu inatumika ni hio tu ya ng’ombe.” He added.
Likewise, the head of state announced that he has allotted about Ksh.2 billion to boost the leather value chain and ensure animal hides from livestock are resourcefully utilized.
According to Ruto, the move to ban importation of shoes will also recalibrate the price of animal hides to a reasonable high and have farmers earn more income.
“I have allocated close to Ksh.2 billion for animal skin treatment and you will see it in the budget. I have put enough money in the leather value chain to ensure that our cows are used,” President Ruto said.
Nonetheless, the President’s proposal is part of his plans to deal with the current cost of living and the rising cases of unemployment in the country.
