Government Plans Revival of Prisons’ Leather Industry to Meet Rising Demand
In a bid to capitalize on the increasing global demand for quality leather products, the Kenyan government is embarking on an ambitious plan to revive the leather industry within its correctional facilities. This initiative, spearheaded jointly by the State Departments for Correctional Services and Livestock Development, aims to revamp operations at Kitengela GK Prison and Kamiti Prisons.
During a recent tour of Kitengela GK Prison, Principal Secretaries Dr. Salome Beacco of Correctional Services and James Mueke of Livestock Development outlined the comprehensive strategy. Dr. Beacco highlighted the government’s commitment to integrate the leather industry revival into the President’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, citing it as a priority value chain.
“It is our great desire to revive the leather industry in the two facilities. We are exploring various avenues, including public-private partnerships, to ensure the success of this endeavor,” expressed PS Beacco. She emphasized the dual objectives of generating revenue for the government and equipping inmates with valuable skills for their post-incarceration reintegration into society.
The revitalization plan encompasses several key initiatives, including the modernization of prison workshops, enhancement of vocational training programs, and provision of increased seed capital for raw materials acquisition. Specialized training in leather technology will be provided to select instructors to ensure high-quality production standards.
According to Livestock Development PS James Mueke, the initiative aligns with the government’s broader economic strategy to transform the leather industry into a major driver of job creation. “Our plan to turn the leather industry into a mega job creation engine is progressing well. There is growing international demand for Kenyan leather,” noted PS Mueke.
The move comes amidst a global surge in interest for sustainably sourced and skillfully crafted leather goods, presenting a significant economic opportunity for Kenya. By leveraging the resources and expertise within its correctional facilities, the government aims to not only meet this demand but also foster a self-sustaining model that benefits both the economy and individuals within the criminal justice system.
Post Author
