Shoe Importation: East African Community States Discuss Possible Ban

Member states of the East African Community are discussing a possible ban on shoe importation.

The shoe importation ban, which will affect both new and second-hand shoes, was launched in a bid to conserve, utilize, and improve local production. It will also improve supply and sales among the member states as well as create jobs.

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

“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,” said Mr. Robert Njoka, Director of REDDAMAC Leather Centre.

EAC member countries; Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda in conjunction with public and private shoe production companies in the region have signed a memoranda awaiting the signatures of Head of States to be implemented.

“It is good that we realized that we can do much better if we work together hence the move to have the memoranda signed,” he added.

Three months ago, the Kenyan government partnered with one of the pioneer leather manufacturing companies in the country.

Selected prison officers were chosen from Athi River and Kamiti Maximum Prisons to go through extensive training in Management, Manufacturing and Equipment service and maintenance at the company in order to begin training as many prisoners as possible to boost production in the Kenyan leather industry.

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The shoe importation ban, if approved, will see public and private companies in the industry work together to improve and increase production locally to boost the member countries’ economy.

The move also follows a decision by the six-nation Community to fully ban imported second-hand clothes by 2019.