The Kariokor Common Manufacturing Facility supports leather MSMEs with shared production infrastructure, skills development and product development support.
Overview
The Kariokor leather cluster is one of the largest concentrations of leather footwear and goods producers in Kenya. The upgrade of the Kariokor Common Manufacturing Facility is intended to support MSMEs with shared production infrastructure, improved product development and better market readiness.
The initiative responds to key challenges in the cluster, including poor product quality, limited finishing capacity and inadequate access to modern production equipment.
Project Purpose
The project is designed to improve the quality and competitiveness of leather products made in Kariokor by providing common manufacturing facilities, technical support and skills development for local producers.
Specific Objectives
Key objectives of the Kariokor Common Manufacturing Facility upgrade.
- Improve the quality of manufactured leather products
- Increase the volume of locally manufactured footwear and reduce imports
- Create a pool of skilled manpower for the leather products sector
- Create employment opportunities through sustainable jobs
- Broaden the cluster's product base for enhanced earnings
- Brand Kenyan footwear for local and regional markets
Project Description
The upgrade was initiated under KLDC's technical programmes, with support from Nairobi County Government through provision of space for the facility. The project focuses on installing machinery and support systems that can be shared by leather MSMEs working in the Kariokor cluster.
The facility is expected to strengthen local production capacity and help producers move from basic manufacturing to better designed, finished and branded leather products.
Project Components
Main technical components of the Kariokor upgrade.
- Installation of procured machines
- Pneumatic pressure distribution
- Dust collection and disposal system
- Skills development
Skills Development
The upgrade includes skills development for machine operators, product development and branding. This supports the effective use of the installed equipment and helps producers improve product quality and consistency.
- Machine operator training
- Product development and branding
Project Status
The project includes procured machinery and supporting infrastructure for the common manufacturing facility. Nairobi County Government has supported the project by providing space and related facility development for the Kariokor cluster.