Several measures have been taken to boost the Leather, Hides and Skins sub-sector in Kenya. In the 2010-2011 Budget, the Government of Kenya allocated Sh175 million ($2.18) to build five mini-leather processing factories. The Leather Development Council has been set up in 2010 after the enactment of the Hide, Skin and Leather Trade Act. It represents the interest of the leather sub-sector. The representatives will be from the Kenya Livestock Marketing Council, slaughter houses association, hides and skins traders, tanners, footwear and leather goods manufacturers, informal leather manufacturers and academia.
Four ministries are key to the council – Treasury; Trade; Industry and Finance. The principal function of LDC is to oversee and advice the Government on the processing and trade in hides, skins, leather and leather goods.
It will promote, direct, coordinate and harmonize activities in the leather subsector, oversee licensing, undertake research and development standards and enforce compliance among others. In the 2010-2011 Budget, Sh175 million was allocated to construct five mini leather processing factories and rehabilitate two existing ones.