East Africa to ban import of new, second hand shoes

The East African Community countries in conjunction with public and private production companies in the countries have considered a ban on import of new shoes and second hand shoes after signing of memoranda awaiting Head of States signatures in bid to conserve, utilize, improve local production, supplies and sales among the member countries.

“The challenge we have had previously that has been in the center to undermine local production is fear for competition between public and private leather production companies. It is good that we realised that we can do much better if we work together hence the move to have the memoranda signed,” acknowledged Mr.Robert Njoka, Director REDDAMAC Leather Centre.

This emerged during a press briefing by stakeholders in the industry after Kenya Prison Service Officers were awarded for excellence after successfully completing 3 months special training within the sector.

The move is aimed at seeing public and private companies in the industry work together to improve and increase production locally to boost the members countries economy.

Three months ago, the Kenyan government partnered with one of the leather manufacturing pioneer company locally that saw selected prison officers go through extensive training in Management, Manufacturing and Equipment service and maintenance.

The officers from Athi River and Kamiti Maximum Prisons are now tasked with training as many prisoners as possible to boost production in the Kenyan leather industry