Jua kali serves as a vital source of employment in Maua town

Maua

Saturday September 30, 2023

KNA by Kamanja Maeria and Jackline Mukami

As the unemployment rate continues to rise with increasing population, many people, especially the youth, are grappling with hard economic situations, and the majority have turned to the jua kali sector for livelihood.

The fast-growing sector has not only attracted old and uneducated people but also the educated youths who have ventured into the sector to tame unemployment.

George Njoroge an artisan in Maua town maintained that the jua kali and artisan skills which includes carpentry, welding, metal work among others is the only way to make the majority of individuals especially youths to be self-reliant instead of waiting for the scarce white-collar jobs.

George, a 34-year-old father of three, urged the youths not to despise the sector which has offered job opportunities to many Kenyans.

“Youth should not look down upon the jua kali sector. Many assume it’s only for old and uneducated people but that’s a myth”, he said adding that even university graduates are now embracing jua kali skills since the government cannot employ everyone.

George said he does all kinds of metal works including repairing broken sufurias (pans), making chicken feeding equipment, meat grilling equipment, water gutters, and jikos among others.

He however cited lack of capital, modern tools, formal training and insufficient scrap metals as a hindrance to the growth of the sector.

He also noted that they operate under harsh conditions since they have no permanent buildings and sometimes their daily activities are affected by weather changes.

“During rainy season, we are forced to close our businesses since it is hard to operate under an umbrella which is sometimes blown by strong winds.’’ George noted.

James Kiramana a form four leaver and also an artisan in Maua town maintained that the sector has seen vast growth due to demand of equipment such as chicken feeders as people are trying to venture into different businesses including poultry keeping to make ends meet.

Courtesy ; KNA