The conceptual architectural design of the multi-billion Machakos Leather industrial park in Kinanie. [Photo/Youtube.com]
The government has begun the construction of an effluent treatment plant at the planned multi-billion Machakos leather industrial park that is set to attract the local and international investors.
The park which is located in Kinanie, Machakos county is sitting on a 500-acre plot. The park will promote the leather sector in Kenya by setting up one stop shop for the leather, footwear and leather products. Investors will also set up various leather related industries in the park such as tanneries.
The chief executive for Kenya Leather Development Council (KLDC), Mr Isaack Noor, who is overseeing the construction, said that the contractor of the effluent treatment plant is already on the site and that the work will begin soon.
The park is set to be granted the Export Processing Zone status which will revolutionize the leather value chain by creating new markets for skins and hides.
Mr Noor also added that the government has already provided water, electricity and roads and thus investors will only set industries and start processing.
Industrialization Secretary Adan Mohamed, who spoke to journalists, said that they are planning as the ministry to avoid exportation of semi-finished lathers.
“We want to get to a point where there will be no export of semi-finished leather,” he told journalists during the launch KLDC 2017-2022 Strategic Plan.
Mohamed also added that the ministry is working with the National Treasury to ensure duty-free on the export of the leather raw materials such as hides and skins.