Jua kali artisans in Nakuru have called for recognition from the county government arguing that they play a key role in the economy by remitting revenue.
At a meeting in Nakuru town, the artisans decried being sidelined by the county’s development agenda citing their poor working conditions.
Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Association Nakuru County coordinator Raymond Kiptanui, noted that the sector had for long been neglected and treated as a preserve for the less educated or failures in society.
“We have been relegated to back streets yet our contribution is unimaginable. Almost all households have a tool or two from the jua kali sector,” he said.
Kiptanui called on Governor Kinuthia Mbugua to come up with measures that will harness the skills in the sector by organising seminars and rethinking their working conditions.
This, he said, will ensure that the sector is transformed and grows by producing quality products that will in turn lead to an increase in the number of opportunities created.
“Jobs will be created thus helping fight the biting problem of youth unemployment in the county,” noted Kiptanui on Saturday.
According to the artisans, an increased market base and more planned for productivity would see the sector double its income which will be an added advantage to the county’s economy.
“If the county wants to realise its dream of becoming an economic hub in the region, all sectors must be considered including ours because it’s through different sector contribution that the ultimate goal is achieved,” Kiptanui advised.