When one walks into burma market’s jua kali sector, they are welcomed by the noise of hammers hitting metal.

The artisans are busy with their daily routine of straightening the metallic rods ready for the work ahead.

Nicholas Musela who has been a jua kali artisan at the centre for the past 15 years, admits the sector has been a key contributor to the economy.

In an exclusive interview with Mtaa Wangu, Musela who deals in school metallic boxes, cooking boilers and jikos, says the sector is not a walk in the park as it has got numerous challenges that call for strength and perseverance.

For instance, whenever the form one students are joining high school, business booms for those dealing with metallic boxes.

Musela notes that despite the high demand at that time, some of the artisans do not reap any benefits as they lack funds to buy the required raw materials.

“In addition, the materials supplied from Mombasa are expensive and the artisans have to go through a third party to access them at a standard cost,” he adds.

A 1000 kilograms' metallic materials supplied direct to an artisan costs Sh 100 per kilogram, which will in turn cost higher if it comes through a third party.

Though the government has been on record trying to boost the welfare of the jua kali sector artisans, to them there is more that needs to be done.

“The government only shows up when there is an exhibition and they want some items from us to showcase,” said one of the artisans at Burma Market who adds that financial support should be key.

On the other hand, metallic jikos go for between Sh 180 and Sh 300, though artisans have challenges such as getting the inner clay material from Kisumu especially during the rainy season.

Though the sector has created job opportunities for many young people, the artisans find it a challenge to market their finished items –an area they say the government should step in and assist.

Sentiments echoed by Chairman Burma Jua Kali sector Mr.Oyoo Asaka.

“The government should stop the PR (public relations) stunts and do what is needed to support the industry,” he says.

pmambili@gmail.com

Inside the neglected jua kali sector that employs hundreds of youth

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Pristone Mambili