Nairobi: Wednesday 25th October,2023Nairobi City County in its aspirations for providing business opportunities and making Nairobi a business hub, has initiated the process to re-operationalize the Kariakor Common Leather Manufacturing facility.
Speaking at a meeting with the Principal Secretary, State Department for Industry Dr. John Mukwahana, the Executive Committee Member for Business and Hustler Opportunities Ms. Maureen Njeri said the existing MOU with Kenya leather Development Council(KLDC) is prohibitive as it hinders the County Government from decision making resulting in the County losing out on revenue that would have been collected if it’s input was considered.
Said Ms. Njeri, “A meeting between Nairobi County, State Departments for Industry and Livestock where Kenya Leather Development Council(KLDC) is currently domiciled, will go a long way in ensuring we come to an agreement that will enable the leather Industry maximize utilization through adequate maintenance and hiring of trained staff that will enable the Industry produce standardized products for larger markets”
The team from the Trade and Industries Sub Sector also updated the Principal Secretary of the progress of the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIP) project that is in the process of conducting a Geotechnical survey before the structuctural designs are finalized on, to pave way for the construction of a Wood, Furniture and metal Works Industry in the Mathare area.
The County Chief Officer for Trade and Markets Mr. Geoffrey Akumali added, “The CAIP project, a partnership between the National and County Governments will see Nairobi produce products with affordable housing project being one of the major target clients among many other unexploited markets after a Public Participation.”
The Principal Secretary also suggested that Counties undertaking the CAIP project should explore the option of advertising for individuals to bring in the required machines for the project and pay rent to the Counties as this will ensure efficiency in the management as had been discussed by the County of Governors.
The meeting was also attended by Ms. Elizabeth Njau, the Director Trade and Industry, Mr. Joseph Mbeva the Director for Industries in the State Department for Industry(SDI), Mr. Isaac Kimeu from the Supply Chain Management also from SDI among other officials from both the Ministry and County Government.
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