There has always been negative perception about informal sector commonly known as ‘Juakali Industry' in Kenya as a disorganized sector that neither assures a permanent job nor guarantees a regular income.
However, to John Ndichu, who has been in the industry for more than 15 years, that is only but a perception.
A visit to his furniture workshop situated at Burma Market in Kivumbini Ward, Nakuru East, and Ndichu narrates that the industry is the most powerful tool in driving the Kenyan economy.He adds that if he was to look at the negative perceptions about the sector, then he would not be where he is right now.Hey says that no business starts big. He started from a humble background with repairs in schools.It is here that he spotted a need in most schools as far as furniture is concerned and acted on it 15 years ago by starting a furniture workshop.“15 years ago I started the business after realizing the need in various schools that I visited to do furniture repairs,” said Ndichu.Like any other business, the 15 years have not been a walk in the park.“I have been doing this every January to supply furniture to schools. Capital has remained a challenge since I work with tenders,” he said.Despite the challenges, Ndichu says this cannot deter him from achieving his future dream of expanding the business.He is currently supplying furniture to 15 schools.“I look forward to expand the business and supply even more equipments to schools,” he says.And in a country grappling with massive unemployment, he urges the government to give more focus on jua kali.“The government should put more resources towards the informal sector as it will help drive even the Big 4 agenda,” he adds.The politician advises those with intention to run for public office.“No single coin was taken from my business venture for the political campaigns since I had planned myself. I am a married father of two and I thank God for my family,” he cheerfully says.And with more resources having been channeled to Technical, Vocational Education and Training Institutions as Kenya’s best bet to drive economic growth and tame joblessness, Ndichu has a message for the youth.“To the youths there is no shortcut to making money but rather the youths have to work hard and God will bless the work of their hands,” he said.
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