The Jua Kali Artisans Association in Nyandarua has received a Ksh 10 million payment for supplying metal windows and doors for the affordable housing project in the county. The payment was made following the artisans’ successful tender bid, which saw eight groups of skilled workers come together under the umbrella of the Jua Kali Artisans Association.
The event was attended by key county officials, including Ann Kuria, the head of the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) in Nyandarua, County Executive for Trade, Industrialization, Cooperatives, and Tourism, John Muiru, and Nyandarua Central DCC, Michael Olooltua. During the ceremony, Kuria praised the artisans for their achievement and appealed to the county government to continue supporting them by facilitating their participation in regional trade fairs, such as the East African Trade Fair. She emphasized that such platforms would allow artisans to showcase their work and broaden their market reach.
The MSEA has been actively supporting the artisans by providing them with the necessary equipment and market linkages. Olooltua further encouraged the groups to invest in acquiring additional tools to enhance their chances of securing future tenders, including those for upcoming government projects like the next phase of the affordable housing initiative and the construction of local markets.
Muiru also expressed the county government’s commitment to helping the artisans expand their operations. He revealed plans to launch a revolving ‘trade fund’ that will provide grants to groups that win tenders to supply goods for county projects. This initiative aims to strengthen the artisans’ capacity and ensure they are well-positioned for future contracts, including those linked to the planned university in Nyandarua.
The association’s chairman, Charles Gaikia, called for improved infrastructure, including the provision of three-phase electricity to the Jua Kali sheds in Ol Kalou. He noted that the current single-phase supply limits the artisans’ production capacity. Additionally, Gaikia highlighted the artisans’ role in offering internships to graduates from technical and vocational education institutions, helping bridge the gap between education and practical experience.
This collaboration signals a promising future for the Jua Kali sector in Nyandarua, offering artisans more opportunities to contribute to the county’s growth and development.
