Kenya Leather Development Council

The Kenya Leather Development Council (KLDC) is a state corporation established under the Kenya Leather Development Council Order, 2011. It regulates, coordinates, and promotes growth in Kenya’s leather industry. KLDC represents all players in the leather value chain, including tanners, footwear manufacturers, hides and skins traders, informal leather producers, and academia. The Council aligns its work with government priorities under the Ministry of Industrialization and Enterprise Development.

KLDC operates the Training and Production Centre for Shoe Industry (TPCSI), created in 1993 with UNIDO and local leather associations. The centre trains manufacturers in design, pattern making, cutting, costing, stitching, finishing, and dies making. Courses cover basic skills, prototype development, and full-scale production. KLDC provides hands-on access to modern machinery and practical learning experiences for students and entrepreneurs.

The council also facilitates market access for leather sector players, connecting them to local, regional, and international opportunities. KLDC guides projects at all stages, from planning to implementation, including processing units and effluent management systems. It advises both government and leather MSMEs on best practices, regulatory compliance, and market trends to ensure competitive and sustainable growth.

Through regulation, training, technical support, and market facilitation, KLDC strengthens Kenya’s leather sector. Its work drives modernization, improves product quality, and supports global competitiveness while fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable industrial development.