On 18 December 2025, 38 young students successfully graduated from the Leather Bags Production Training at Don Bosco Boys Town Technical Institute, marking the completion of four months of intensive technical and creative training.
The programme was delivered under the guidance of two cutting-edge actors in the Italian leather industry, Assopellettieri and the Made in Italy Tuscany Academy (MITA), with the aim of equipping young Kenyans with high-quality skills to enhance employability, strengthen the competitiveness of Kenya’s leather sector, and open pathways to new global opportunities. Three top-performing graduates were also awarded apprenticeships with leading leather manufacturing companies in Italy.
The training is funded by the Italian cooperation under the initiative “Designing the Future: A Green and Inclusive Fashion Ecosystem for Kenya.” The initiative is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and builds on the Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) business model which aims to support small and medium enterprises and artisanal cooperatives, with a strong focus on resilient growth, climate action, and social inclusion, particularly for women and youth.
Held between August and December 2025 in Karen, Nairobi, the training enabled 38 participants to hone their technical and creative skills in designing, crafting, and producing leather bags, as well as bags made from alternative materials such as canvas and fabric, combined with a focus on soft and entrepreneurial skills.
The closing ceremony was a joyful celebration of the trainees’ achievements and a moment to recognise the long-standing partnership between the Italian Cooperation, the Ethical Fashion Initiative, and Made in Italy flagship institutions in the leather sector. It also provided a valuable platform for stakeholder engagement and visibility.
One of the MITA trainers shared inspiring words with the graduates: “Dreams can come true if you don’t give up and keep working hard.” This message resonated strongly with the participants. Mary Wangari, one of the graduates, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the programme allowed her to grow professionally, build strong friendships, and lay solid foundations for her entrepreneurial journey.
Representatives from EFI highlighted that the leather sector is one of Kenya’s most promising industries, but success depends on combining strong technical expertise with soft skills that meet international standards. They thanked Italy for their sustained and continuous support, emphasising that this collaboration is pivotal to position Kenya on the international map of high-quality leather production.
