Juakali artisans at work. The World Bank and the Government are aiming to train a tune of 5000 artisans in five counties in a move to spur the sector economically. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Following the capping of interest rates, banks in Kenya have given the Juakali sector a wide berth, the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), Director Antony Kwache has said.
Kwache has consequently called for consolidation of the Juakali Associations to enable them have a steady financial base from which they can access credit from other financial institutions if they envisage growing the sector.
He was speaking to nearly 200 Juakali Artisans who converged for a training session powered by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) to prepare them of the 5 year World Bank financed program envisioned to train 5000 artisans during its inception stage.
Nyanza Region NITA Coordinator, Mary Wanoko who was flanked by Kwache observed that the initiative will offer the youth opportunities to establish their own enterprises and subsequently transit to become employers.
More emphasis is also being channeled to such entrepreneurs who never got a chance to finish their studies.
“Such training will center on areas like ICT, wood, beauty, dress making and other sectors in the Juakali sector to be able to start their own ventures and will be divided in three categories”, the duo said.
Kwache disclosed that the project is funded by the World Bank in partnership with the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Youth Affairs.
He stated that the pilot program was being affected in five counties namely: Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kwale and Kisumu.
“Under the chief plan we pinpoint artisans with high ability to become trainers for continuity and sustainability of the program,” said Wanoko.