The government’s efforts to foster industrial development will significantly involve the integration of the Jua Kali sector in the country’s economic main-fold, Industrialisation and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed has confirmed.
As part of the strategic efforts to enhance the economic contribution derived from Jua Kali (Micro and Small Enterprises) industry, the Ministry of Industrialisation and Enterprise Development is gearing up to facilitate capacity building programmes and policies for the sector.
Speaking in his office when he hosted a delegation of Jua Kali Sector stakeholders, Mohamed singled out the much-touted supply of furniture to government as one of the strategic economic lifelines recently extended to the sector.
The recent review of the Public Procurement and Disposal Act through the publishing of the Public Procurement and Disposal (Amendment) Regulations 2013 by his National Treasury Counterpart and the new for the Small and Medium Enterprises Laws, Mohamed noted had opened a window for public bodies to do business with Jua Kali sector players.
Among other preferences, the new Public Procurement Regulations provide for exclusive preference to local contractors offering furniture, textiles, foodstuffs and other locally made goods.
However, Mohamed expressed regret that lack of capacity and adherence to quality standards by Jua Kali players was likely to slow down the gains made from such a sector stimulus plan.
He assured that the Ministry will forge a working partnership with key players in the Jua Kali sector and relevant government bodies to build capacity and embrace global production standards and practices.
In attendance during the stakeholders meeting were representatives from the Sector led by the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations, Secretary General Mr. Charles Kalomba, the federation’s CEO, Mr. Richard Muteti and top Ministry officials.
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