Peter Mwangi is a self-made innovator in Laikipia who has added
value to our hides.
His leather products christened Nyati
Boots has given him popularity in the county and beyond as he has been in the
trade for more than 14 years.
When shoe companies folded following
importation of second hand products, Mwangi saw an opportunity through
production of quality items.
Nyati Boots is a trade name in
Laikipia county, with Mwangi being in the mass production after he was
encouraged by county government officials who passed by his premise.
Under True Vine Leather Work,
Mwangi is among the several Laikipia innovators who were facilitated for a trip
to Rwanda to exhibit their products.
The Laikipia Innovation
Development Program (LIDP) directorate led by Winnie Mwangi helped the
entrepreneur to work in Nyahururu town.
He was previously working from
home as he could not afford to pay rent among other costs.
“Working in Nyahururu town has
exposed me and am able to produce quality items, and am happy that tourists
also visit my premises in search of Nyati Boots,” he told The Mountain Journal.
Mwangi derived the name Laikipia Nyati from the love he
has for the county being a tourism attraction, and for his love for the mother
country. The boots are also made from leather from Laikipia,” he explained.
.Ms Mwangi on her part said Laikipia
County Government is keen to support local innovators upscale for mass
production and exposure to the market.
“We have to buy our products first,
to help advertise them to the outside market,” she said.
In Laikipia, our Governor Nderitu
Mureithi has declared interest in supporting the innovators.
