Seibel opens factory in Kenya

High-quality leather shoes are soon to be produced in a new shoe factory in Ukunda, Kenya. The factory is part of the Josef Seibel Group. Together with the local partner "Mekaela Academies", the aim is to support the development of the economically underdeveloped Kwale County region south of Mombasa, and to strengthen the local market. From autumn 2020 onwards, durable back-to-school leather shoes will be produced under the Romika brand in line with the stipulated school uniforms. Scheduled production is 500 pairs of shoes per day by the middle of 2021, and 120 individuals will be employed in the initial phase.

Seibel looks to practical training certified by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)

The project represents a modern-day form of development aid aiming to facilitate education for people in Kenya as well as to help provide an economic foundation for living in the country. The action being taken is seeking to improve the social situation by means of long-term and sustainable investment. Josef Seibel Africa Ltd is being set up as a complete system that includes everything from material sourcing and production to distribution/marketing within Kenya and Africa. 

An initial team of trainers are already undergoing advanced training in Germany and being equipped to train skilled workers in industrial shoe production. The presentation of the IHK certificates to the first five Kenyan trainees and the celebration of the successful completion of their training is being marked at the end of July in the "Gläserne Schuhfabrik" (a shoe production facility especially for visitors) in Hauenstein. With the combination of production in Kenya and the training, the aim is to significantly improve earnings potential and contribute to overcoming the bottleneck in Kenyan training structures. Kenya Vision 2030 identifies the leather industry as one of the ten most important sectors. The aim is that these sectors will generate a large number of new jobs and significant rates of growth.