The County Government of Siaya hosted a pre-devolution conference innovation exhibition at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium within Siaya Municipality.
The event, presided over by the Speaker of the County Assembly of Siaya, Rt. Hon. George Okode, as the Chief Guest on behalf of Governor James Orengo, showcased local talent and innovative solutions, highlighting the county's commitment to sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Among the innovators was Mr. David Marenya, a talented creative artist from Rawalo Village, Central Gem Location in Yala Sub-County, specializing in transforming animal hides into high-quality leather products, including belts, bracelets, school shoes, and traditional attire.
His work not only demonstrates craftsmanship but also promotes eco-friendly practices and African (Luo) cultural heritage.
Mr. Marenya’s leather-making process begins with the application of lime to open the hide and expose fat tissues, which are unsuitable for leather production. Sodium sulfide is then used to remove the epidermis, preparing the hide for tanning. Through this process, the hide is transformed into durable, non-perishable leather suitable for crafting products such as shoes, belts, wallets, bags, and jackets.
Leather tanning is a meticulous process that converts raw animal hides into stable, durable materials. It involves several key stages;
Soaking: Raw hides are rehydrated to remove dirt and salt.
Fleshing: Excess flesh and tissue are scraped off.
Unhairing/Liming: An alkaline solution removes hair and splits fiber bundles.
Deliming/Bating: Enzymes neutralize the alkaline solution and clean the hide further.
Pickling: Acids and salts create an acidic environment for tanning.
Tanning: This stage stabilizes collagen fibers using various tanning agents:
Mineral Tanning: Utilizes chromium salts (chrome tanning), the most common method.
Vegetable Tanning: Employs plant-based tannins, such as tree bark.
Synthetic Tanning: Uses artificial agents, often in combination with other methods.
Oil Tanning: Incorporates animal fats and oils.Post-Tanning (Crusting & Finishing):
Washing/Drying: Removes excess tanning agents and dries the hide.
Splitting/Shaving: Adjusts the hide’s thickness by splitting or shaving.
Neutralizing/Dyeing/Fatliquoring: Neutralizes the leather, dyes it, and adds oils for softness.
Finishing: Conditions, softens, buffs, and sprays the leather for a polished surface.The specific techniques vary depending on the desired leather type and tanning method.
Beyond his technical expertise,Mr. Marenya is a sustainability advocate and cultural ambassador. By employing individuals recovering from substance abuse, he provides them with therapeutic, productive, and creative opportunities, fostering both personal rehabilitation and community development.
Should he be selected by the adjudicators, Mr. Marenya will have the honor of hoisting the flag of the county high at the national level during the 9th Devolution Conference to be hosted in Homa Bay County.
The County Government of Siaya, through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts in collaboration with the Executive Office of the Governor, will roll out The Nyalore Governors Cup for football men. This will be a Countywide tournament for talents identification, talent exposure and creation of temporary job opportunities for the Youth – “Kandanda Mashinani, Pesa kwa Vijana!”. The tournament shall be played on weekdays for one month, the whole of December 2023. The one month long tournament will be launched by the Governor Siaya, James Orengo on 1st December 2023 at Sega Mixed Primary School starting at 9.00am. The final match will be played on 1st January, 2024, at the Migwena Sports Group.
