Kilifi County has stepped up efforts to support local enterprises after Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule held talks with officials from Uhakika Leather Works, a community-based leather shoe manufacturing group based in Matano Mane, Sokoke Ward.

The meeting focused on strengthening the group’s production capacity and enabling it to tap into growing demand for locally made leather products.

Uhakika Leather Works, which was established in 2014, is a registered group comprising 13 members who specialize in producing high-quality leather shoes. Despite having a ready market for its products, the enterprise has faced challenges in expanding operations due to limited production equipment.

Deputy Governor Chibule said supporting small and medium enterprises remains central to the county’s agenda of creating jobs, promoting value addition and driving sustainable economic growth.

“Supporting local enterprises remains a key pillar of our agenda to create jobs, promote value addition and drive sustainable economic growth across Kilifi County,” she said.

Through the Wezesha Fund, Uhakika Leather Works is expected to benefit from capacity-building training and affordable financing to acquire the equipment needed to increase production and meet rising customer demand.

The initiative is being implemented under the Kilifi Department of Trade, Tourism and Co-operative Development, which has continued to champion enterprise growth across the county.

County officials said the support will help strengthen local manufacturing, create employment opportunities and empower more residents to participate in the county’s economic transformation.

Kilifi County Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to the Wezesha Fund and supporting more grassroots businesses to grow into sustainable enterprises.

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