The Government has commissioned Sh 376.3 million Kinanie Leather Industrial Park Water Supply Project in Machakos County, a strategic investment set to accelerate industrialisation, create up to 10,000 jobs and strengthen Kenya’s leather value chain under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Commissioning the project, the Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation, Julius Korir, said the Government remains committed to investing in strategic water infrastructure that supports industrialisation and delivers tangible socio-economic benefits to Kenyans.
The project that is expected to benefit more than 3,000 people and supply 2.3 million litres of water daily to the Leather Industrial Park and neighbouring communities, will also provide the critical water infrastructure required to operationalise the Kinanie Leather Industrial Park.
The industry is projected to host six tanneries and generate up to 10,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across leather processing, manufacturing, logistics and ancillary services.
PS Korir said the project is a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to implementing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“By investing in water infrastructure, we are creating an enabling environment for manufacturing, value addition, job creation and sustainable livelihoods. Water is a key driver of industrial growth and economic transformation,” said PS Korir.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Tanathi Water Works Development Agency, Sammy Naporos, said the project is a game changer for both the leather industry and the surrounding communities.
“The Kinanie Water Supply Project goes beyond water provision. It is a catalyst for industrial development, employment creation and community empowerment. By guaranteeing reliable water supply, we are laying the foundation for a thriving leather manufacturing ecosystem and improved livelihoods for thousands of Kenyans,” said Naporos.
The project comprises two boreholes with a combined production capacity of 73 cubic metres per hour, a 100 cubic metres elevated steel tank, a 2.2-kilometre HDPE rising main, a 25-kilometre HDPE transmission pipeline, a 1,000 cubic metres reinforced concrete water storage tank and a 5.5-kilometre water reticulation network within the industrial park.
A community water point has also been established to enhance access to clean and safe water for residents living around the project area.
Phase I of the project was implemented at a cost of Sh 38.9 million, while Phases II and III cost Sh 337.4 million, bringing the total project cost to Sh 376.3 million.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Athi River Deputy County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding’, members of the Tanathi Water Works Development Agency Board of Management led by Chairperson, Regina Ndambuki, National and County government officials, and representatives from the local community.
The Kinanie Leather Industrial Park Water Supply Project aligns with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by promoting value addition, enhancing local manufacturing, creating employment opportunities and positioning Kenya’s leather sector as a key contributor to the country’s economic transformation.
By Charles Matacho
