Jua Kali artisans laud Affordable Housing Program as they receive payment

The payment was issued during a ceremony attended by Nyandarua County Executive for Trade, Industrialization, Cooperatives and Tourism, John Muiru, and Nyandarua Central Deputy County Commissioner, Michael Olooltua.

The artisans, organized under the Jua Kali Artisans Association, comprise eight groups that successfully secured the tender to supply building components for the government-backed housing initiative.

Speaking at the event, Ann Kuria, the Head of the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) in Nyandarua, praised the government’s Affordable Housing Program for not only addressing the country’s housing deficit but also creating employment opportunities and empowering local artisans.

Kuria urged the County Government to support the artisans by facilitating their participation in the East African Trade Fair, providing them with a platform to showcase their products and improve market visibility. She noted that MSEA has been instrumental in supporting the groups with equipment and market linkages.

DCC Olooltua encouraged the artisans to invest in modern tools and equipment to enhance their capacity and competitiveness in bidding for future tenders, including upcoming county projects such as market construction and the next phase of the housing program.

He also announced plans by the County to launch a revolving "trade fund" aimed at financing local groups that win supply contracts for government projects. He revealed that local artisans will have further opportunities as the national government prepares to build markets in Kinangop and Kipipiri, as well as a new university in the county.

Charles Gaikia, the chairman of the Jua Kali Artisans Association, expressed appreciation for the government’s support, stating that the housing project had elevated their profile. He called on the government to involve their association in additional phases of the Affordable Housing Project in Nyandarua.

Gaikia also appealed for the installation of a three-phase electricity supply at the Jua Kali sheds in Ol Kalou to improve productivity and service delivery.

The State Department for Housing and Urban Development has ring-fenced specific services—such as the supply of doors and windows—for local Jua Kali associations. Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga affirmed the government’s commitment to creating sustained demand for such products as a means of empowering the informal sector and generating youth employment.