Isiolo government has laid grounds on vital aspects to make the county a leader in the leather industry.
This follows the expected oprationalisation of Sh850 million Isiolo Export Abattoir in March.
Some of the laid out aspects include, value addition of products in line with international standards and facility transformation.
On Tuesday, county secretary Dadhe Boru paid a visit to YETU Leather factory to identify market linkages for leather in Isiolo.
"This investment will create employment opportunities and reduce poverty among our people," he said.
Boru expressed optimism that the leather project will transform livelihoods of pastoral communities, more so the youth, women and persons with disability.
He was accompanied by the Agency and Voice of the Private Sector.
Boru said the engagement was timely as the feedlot for exporting meat products is 80 per cent complete.
A feedlot is an intensive feeding programme that helps fatten emaciated animals to gain internationally accepted weight before slaughter.
AVPS identified YETU Leather as key partners to set up a tanning factory and conduct capacity building for local communities to run the factory.
Governor Abdi Guyo told the Star that the collaboration between Isiolo and AVP will contribute to economic growth and development.
"This collaboration opens a ready market for leather and creation of value additions such as shoes, bags and beads while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability in the county's vision of social and economic empowerment of the people," he said.
Livestock owners in Isiolo and neighboring counties will by March be able to access lucrative markets for their animals.
This follows the soon-to-be operationalised Isiolo Export Abattoir.
The abattoir, whose construction commenced 16 years ago, is currently in its final stages of completion.
It is expected to catalyse the growth of ancillary industries that process leather and other animal products.
Situated on a 500,000 acre land, inclusive of feedlots, a disease-free zone and a livestock receiving yard, the Isiolo Export Abattoir boasts of the capability to slaughter more than 1,800 livestock per day.
The project contractor Isack Hajj said Isiolo government contributed Sh400 million to the project while World Bank, through KCSAP, gave Sh450 million.
The abattoir is expected to serve Isiolo and the neighboring counties of Samburu, Laikipia, Meru, Garissa, Wajir and Marsabit.
Southern Ethiopia and Somalia are also in its catchment area.
Once completed, the abattoir will employ 80 people directly and benefit more than 20,000 families.
Sources say works on animal cleaning area is underway.
