Elderly leaders clinging on to leadership positions of the Jua Kali Associations have been urged to consider relinquishing such positions to the youth, who constitute majority of the workers in the jua kali sector, to inject new blood and innovative leadership skills into the industry.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Patrick Mwangi has challenged the elderly entrepreneurs holding on leadership positions in the associations, to consider handing over those positions to upcoming entrepreneurs as part of bringing in innovative leadership and investment ideas into the sector.
Speaking at a Kisii hotel during a one-day workshop to sensitize members on the MSEA Act, 2012 and MSE Act Regulations, Mwangi regretted that though majority of the young people were the force behind the success realized in the jua kali sector, it was ironical that they do not occupy decision making positions involving the sector as elderly people continue calling shots.
“We are not talking of a plot to push out the elderly leaders from the leadership positions of the Jua Kali Associations, but we are calling on the elderly entrepreneurs to prepare young people to take up such positions to inject new ideas in the sector which currently drives the country's economy,” stated Mwangi.
He however, challenged the youth to join the Jua Kali Associations if they intended to make an impact in the jua Kali sector's leadership, and exploit their entrepreneurship skills and innovative investment ideas.