
Crafting Change: Empowering Kenya’s Leather Industry Through Innovation
The Capacity Building for Job Creation and Growth of Leather Goods and Leather Footwear Manufacturing Enterprises in Kenya project, hosted at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), led by Dr Paul Tanui, and funded by NRF, is revolutionizing Kenya’s leather sector. By targeting skill development, fostering innovation, and championing sustainability, this initiative is empowering individuals, creating job opportunities, and driving economic growth. The program highlights the transformative power of collaboration between academia, industry, and funding bodies in shaping the future of a crucial industry in Kenya.
Building Skills, Creating Opportunities
The core of this initiative lies in its dedication to providing participants with advanced technical training. 24 trainees from diverse backgrounds embarked on intensive, hands-on learning experiences in leather technology. Through this program, they gained the skills necessary for producing high-quality leather goods, including shoes, bags, keyholders, and other leather products. The training focused not only on craftsmanship but also on innovation, ensuring that the trainees could adapt to evolving market demands.
“Before niende training, nilikua natengeneza viatu 11, 12 pairs, lakini after training, sahii naweza fanya 20 pairs per day.”
— Kennedy, Trainee at Jamii Footwear Workshop, Nyeri.
These figures underscore the significant gains in productivity and efficiency driven by the training. The program’s emphasis on quality production and creative design has allowed participants to elevate their craft and diversify their product offerings, enhancing their potential for success in the competitive leather market.

Sustainability as a Core Value
An essential pillar of the project is its commitment to sustainability. By focusing on minimizing leather waste and repurposing it into valuable products, the program supports both environmental conservation and economic resilience. Trainees were taught how to use leather scraps effectively to create accessories like keyholders, reducing waste and making the most out of available resources. This innovative approach not only contributes to environmental protection but also maximizes the value of raw materials, enabling participants to expand their product range and increase their profits.
“Tulitrainiwa mambo mingi sana, mambo kama finishing, uchaguzi wa ngozi… nimeona uvuno mkubwa kutokana na training.”
— Irariu, Trainee at Jamii Footwear Workshop, Nyeri.
Through the training, participants have learned how to work more efficiently, which has led to both higher-quality products and reduced waste. This emphasis on sustainability aligns perfectly with the broader goals of economic growth and responsible resource management in Kenya’s leather industry.
From Trainees to Trainers: A Ripple Effect
One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is the ripple effect it has generated. Former trainees, having gained the skills and confidence necessary for success, are now giving back to their communities by becoming trainers themselves. Rukira Vocational Training Center and other institutions are benefiting from the expertise of these new trainers, who are passing on their knowledge to the next generation of leather artisans. This not only ensures the long-term sustainability of the project but also promotes a culture of knowledge-sharing and skill development within local communities.

This multiplier effect helps amplify the impact of the project, extending its reach and benefits far beyond the original group of trainees. As former learners pass on their expertise, they contribute to the creation of new opportunities for employment and skill development, further enriching the communities they serve.
Transforming Communities Through Economic Growth
Beyond individual skill-building, the project is making a profound impact on local economies. By adopting improved finishing techniques and enhancing the quality of their leather products, trainees have significantly increased their productivity. The higher quality of goods, coupled with a reduction in waste, has made their products more competitive in the market. As a result, demand for their leather items has surged, leading to increased income for the trainees and a ripple effect on the local economy.
The increased economic activity is evident in the growth of small businesses, with several trainees reporting that their sales have expanded as a result of the program. This, in turn, has contributed to the creation of new job opportunities and the stabilization of existing enterprises in the leather sector.
Laying the Foundation for Long-Term Success
The project is designed to provide lasting benefits, ensuring that the skills and knowledge imparted will be passed down for generations to come. To this end, comprehensive training manuals and research publications have been developed, documenting the lessons learned and serving as resources for future learners and trainers.
These materials are not only a testament to the success of the initiative but also act as tools for scaling the impact of the project. By sharing these resources with other institutions and organizations, the project ensures that its benefits will continue to multiply.
Collaborating for a Brighter Future
This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration. DeKUT, as the host institution, has provided a platform for innovation and skill development, while the NRF, through its funding, has made it possible for the program to reach its full potential. The partnership between academia, industry, and government is a model for how targeted investment can create sustainable growth and drive development in key sectors like Kenya’s leather industry.
The Road Ahead
As the project continues to expand and evolve, the vision for its future remains focused on empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and contributing to the growth of Kenya’s leather industry. With a firm foundation in place, the NRF-funded initiative at DeKUT is poised to continue driving innovation, fostering sustainability, and creating lasting change for years to come.
Together, we are crafting a brighter, more sustainable future for Kenya’s leather industry, where innovation and skill-building meet economic growth and environmental responsibility.