Trade associations ‘JuaKali groups’ still moving forward
BY WANJALA .B. DANSON
The Jua Kali industry is one of the informal sectors that previous regimes have not fully empowered in the country. Many groups which were formed decades ago have either collapsed or grappling with an array of challenges, ranging from finances to poor management.
However, all is not lost, as there are Jua Kali groups that have overcome these challenges to transform the lives of many and now are calling for county governments’ support. One such group is the Kakamega Jua Kali Association under the chairmanship of Mr. Richard Kondo.
Established in 1998, the association has grown in membership and impact to the society. “This association started 15 years ago with only 50 members. Today, we pride in having more than 3000 members,” said Mr. Kondo in an interview with KNA.
According to the chairman of the association, they have expanded its capacity to accommodate a wide range of skills including hawkers and salonists. “Initially this association brought together carpenters, mechanics, tailors, and masons. With time, we have allowed hawkers and those running salons to join us,” added Mr. Kondo.
Mr. Kondo, who has been at the helm of the association for about three years, contends that Jua Kali is the backbone of our economy and challenges the county government of Kakamega to support the industry as a source of employment for the youths. “Many people in this country earn their livelihood from the informal sector. This association has transformed the lives of many. If we can be well-recognized, then Jua Kali will be a key player in economic development,” explained Mr. Kondo.
Like many business operators, Kakamega Jua Kali Association is negatively affected by the ever-changing and skyrocketing prices of products. He says, “Our members make losses when they agree with customers on the cost of items only to find that prices of materials have drastically shot up on the market.”
Another challenge affecting the association is title deeds. Mr. Kondo notes that the group, like most Jua Kali associations in the country, doesn’t have land title deeds. He however believes that the issue will be sorted amicably to avoid scenarios that expose them to land ownership conflicts. “We do not have title deeds for our plots. I attribute this to the inefficiency of passed leadership of this association. Nonetheless, we are working towards getting the title deeds,” said Mr. Kondo.
Kakamega Jua Kali Association is registered by the Registrar of Societies and has five officials, including the chairperson, his vice chairman Mr. Charles Omutanyi, Secretary Nour Sungu, Treasurer Mrs. Jane Makokha and Mr. Arthur Were as its organizing secretary. As the association prepares to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM), early next month, it is the hope of Mr. Kondo that the devolved system of governance will create more opportunities for the informal sector, but most important, the Jua Kali industry.