NYANDARUA: It was a boost for Jua Kali artisans, who fabricate windows and doors for the first phase of the affordable housing project in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, after they received Sh10 million for their work. During a ceremony, presided over by the County Executive for Trade, Industrialization, Cooperatives and Tourism, John Muiru, and Nyandarua Central Deputy County Commissioner Michael Olooltua, the artisans received the money under the Jua Kali Artisans Association.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Head of Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) in Nyandarua, Ann Kuria, noted that eight groups of artisans formed the association to secure the tender for supplying metal windows and doors for the housing project. To enhance the visibility of artisans, Kuria urged the County government to support their participation in the East African Trade Fair, providing a platform to showcase their products.

Kuria further stated that MSEA has been assisting the artisans by supplying equipment and facilitating market linkages. Olooltua advised the groups to organize themselves and acquire necessary equipment to increase their chances of securing more tenders for future government projects in the County, such as the next phase of the housing project and the construction of markets.

County Executive for Trade, Mr. Muiru, affirmed the County government’s readiness to support the artisans in expanding their work scope by providing resources in the form of grants. Muiru revealed plans to launch a ‘trade fund,’ a revolving fund to finance groups that win tenders to supply products for County projects.

Muiru also mentioned that, apart from the markets to be built in Kinangop and Kipipiri by the national government, artisans will have opportunities to receive orders for products when the construction of a university in Nyandarua begins. Charles Gaikia, chairman of the Jua Kali Artisans Association, urged the government to provide three-phase electricity supply in the Jua Kali sheds in Ol Kalou town, as the current single-phase supply limits their capabilities.

Gaikia added that, in addition to their regular work, the artisans offer internships to graduates from technical and vocational education training institutions to provide practical experience complementing their technical college education.