TPCSI

Brief Overview

Training and Production Centre for Shoe Industry (TPCSI) was set up by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in 1993 in collaboration with local private sector leather associations namely; Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Kenya Tanners Association (KTA) and Kenya Footwear Manufacturers Association (KFMA).

The Centre was established as a specialized technology resource centre to cater for the needs of Footwear and leather goods industries in the Country and the region. The aim of the Centre then was to provide training of skilled manpower for the manufacturing segment of the leather industry as well as providing machines and equipment to non-mechanized MSMEs for use at an affordable fee.

To manage the Centre, a voluntary Board of trustees was formed headed by a Chairman and other members drawn from the founder associations and UNIDO. The Board of Trustees was a collegial body for policy and strategy decisions and appointed a Manager to run the Centre. The Board of Trustees transferred the centre to the Ministry of Industrialization in 2011. In 2013 the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade & Cooperatives subsequently handed over the management of the Centre to Kenya Industrial Research Development Institute (KIRDI).

In 2015, the Parent Ministry transferred the Centre to Kenya Leather Development Council (KLDC). These ownership/management changes have affected the performance of the Centre due to lack of a clear management & operational direction. 

KLDC has initiated the rehabilitation of the Centre through upgrading of its machine and equipment, review of the training curriculum and repositioning the institution as a Centre of Excellence in providing support for the Leather sector.

Core Functions of TPCSI

• Transfer of skills and technology for footwear and leather goods

• Extension services for footwear and leather goods

• Common manufacturing facility for SMESs in both leather and leather goods

TPCSI engages in various technical activities and offers services in the following areas;