Ruto Announces When He Will Ban Shoe Imports into Kenya

President William Ruto has announced that the government of Kenya is set to ban shoe importation into the country.

Speaking in Baringo on Thursday, December 15, Ruto said the government will promote locally manufactured leather products.

“We have said that after three years, there will be no more importation of shoes, those who will not want to wear shoes made from Kenyans skins will walk barefoot,” said Ruto.

Further, the president who was speaking at the Kimalel Goat Auction and Cultural Festival said the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi agreed to partner with Kenya in livestock rearing.

Leather Institute

Besides, he revealed that Livestock Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai is currently in India to discuss how the government cam access good livestock breeds.

“He has gone to discuss the issue of a leather institute. We must start using these goats to manufacture leather products,” stated the President.

Ruto explained that the partnership will allow Kenya to get improved breeds that are easy to rear and produce more meat.

“We have had problem getting good breeds for cows, sheep and goats because genetics has been limited since we don’t have enough Artificial Insemination (AI) facilities,” he said.

Additionally, the head of state emphasized that Kenya could manufacture shoes and all the other leather products locally.

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He argued that this will be affordable as compared to importing shoes which cost as much as Ksh.10,000.

“Right now, Kenya is still importing close to ten million pairs of shoes annually from other countries and our skin here are sold cheaply,” stated Ruto.

Furthermore, the president wondered why Kenya can produce leather products even though there is enough raw material.

Also, he said the government has allocated 5 acres of land in Naivasha to build stalls for leather products.

“The shoes we wear are made from skins from other people, does it mean that the skin from cows cannot be used to make shoes, belts or even wallet?” he said.

No More Public Auction-Ruto

In addition, President Ruto said local farmers should not continue selling their livestock through auctions.

Instead, he mentioned that the government will allocate funds to promote value addition on livestock products.

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“We want to start doing value addition so that we slaughter cows and sell the meat separately, the bones differently as well as the skin. This will allow us to earn more money from our livestock,” he explained.

The president said he will partner with Baringo County governor to build feedlots to boost the health livestock reared in the region.