Bata expands to Ethiopia & Burundi

Shoe maker Bata is eyeing to expand to the region with its target being Ethiopia and Burundi. According to Bata managing director Nasir Rafiq the expansion is estimated to cost 350 million shillings. Bata will however not be eyeing South Sudan at the moment as it awaits various administration and policy measures to take form.

Speaking during the launch of Bata miss world Kenya collection East and central Africa’s largest shoe manufacturer said it will continue to focus its operations in the COMESA region with Kenya remaining as its manufacturing hub and operations center. And after expanding to Rwanda last year the manufacturer is in 2012 eyeing 2 other markets Ethiopia and Burundi to increase sales that stood at 30 million pairs in 2011. But with the infrastructure linking Kenya and Ethiopia in bad state Bata hopes the upgrading works will be through on time.Bata also says it will be expanding to every county with focus on the North rift towns and North eastern. Chief guest at the Launch Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said the government will continue to provide the right environment for investors especially incentives that will open up the remote parts of the country. Bata currently employs over 2500 employees with the expansion expected to increase jobs especially for locals with the versatility and expertise in the sector. Bata miss world collection encompasses shoe variety for both the average citizen to the stylish executive collection to be worn for offices and other formal functions.