Trade CS, Peter Munya, and Laikipia Governor, Ndiritu Muriithi, were excited by a unique shoemaker during a recent innovation fair held in Nyahururu Town.
The two were excited by Peter Mwangi’s exquisite skills of crafting boots, a trade that has enabled him to be a trainer, employer, and innovator in the shoemaking industry.
Mwangi delved into the business five years ago, a field ignored by many. He started making police and security boots, with his target clients being police officers, bodaboda operators, security guards, and ordinary citizens.
“We shall ensure every machine and equipment needed is availed then we replicate in the 47 counties and later to the constituencies. By doing so, Laikipia would be a model centre and innovators such as Mwangi will be assisted to realise their dreams,” an enthusiastic Munya pledged.
According to Laikipia governor, such innovators will get financial assistance and training from the county government.
“Our intent is to support these innovators of Laikipia to do great things. We have a lot of confidence in them,” Ndiritu revealed.
Mwangi acquires his raw material, which includes pure leather, canvas, and sponge, among others from Nairobi, and works on them in his workshop to produce high-quality boots, comfortable to wear.
In a day, he can make as many as six pairs of boots.
The boots are named after his Trade name, Laikipia Nyati. As per the cobbler, the ever-increasing security firms and county enforcement officers is a market that cannot be ignored.
One pair of boots goes for Ksh 2,500 and he can get as many as ten orders in a good month. In a low season, he earns a monthly profit of about Ksh 15,000. He, however, is able to double during the high seasons.
Like other startup businesses, unavailability of funds and market are the main challenges he faces. Lack of modern machines to cut and shape leather and other materials to make the shoes also makes his work difficult as he uses his hands.
His shop is located at the Nyahururu CBD and he also has a workshop located at the Nyayo Jua Kali shades, which also serves as his office.
