Ugandan leather specialist Wina Classic Leather Care expanded its footprint into the Kenyan market with the establishment of three retail outlets in Nairobi, marking a significant step in strengthening regional trade, promoting skills development and tapping into Kenya’s growing demand for premium leather products and restoration services.
The company, which has decades of experience in leather care and management, launched operations at Junction Mall, Village Market and Galleria Mall, offering specialized leather cleaning, repair, restoration and maintenance services.
Speaking during the launch, Wina Classic Regional Managing Director Elvin Isiko explained that the investment was driven by increasing consumer demand for professional leather care services and an identified gap in Kenya’s market.
Beyond expanding its commercial operations, the company invested in local employment, technical skills development and knowledge transfer. More than 10 Kenyans received specialized leather management training in Uganda, with several recruits drawn from the National Youth Service (NYS). The initiative sought to equip young professionals with practical expertise and commercial skills to support the growth of Kenya’s leather industry.
The investment also highlighted the untapped potential of Kenya’s leather value chain, particularly in manufacturing, processing and value addition. Despite the country’s substantial supply of hides and skins, limited domestic processing has historically constrained the sector’s ability to generate higher export earnings and create quality employment opportunities.
By encouraging specialized leather services, technical training and regional business partnerships, investments such as Wina Classic’s demonstrate how East African enterprises can contribute to industrial development, economic diversification and stronger cross-border trade.
The expansion underscores the importance of moving beyond raw material exports towards higher-value leather products and services, positioning Kenya to unlock greater economic benefits from its leather industry while strengthening regional economic integration.