Bata Africa President Alberto Errico called on Kenyan authorities in 2019 to implement measures against low-cost shoe imports undermining domestic production, citing their impact on local businesses and employment.
Errico emphasized that local manufacturers contribute to national value chains by generating tax revenue and creating jobs, while advocating for regulatory frameworks to control import volumes. He highlighted the tension between Kenya's goal to boost manufacturing to 15% of GDP and the challenges posed by foreign competition.
The executive noted that inexpensive shoe imports were eroding profits for domestic firms, stressing the need for policies that prioritize local industry growth. Bata Africa, which produces 25 million shoes annually following European machinery investments, has secured government contracts including a 400,000-boot military tender and a national youth service supply deal.
