Laikipia County will partner with Technical Training Institutions (TTIs) and theJua Kali industry to make the region a manufacturing hub.
While urging the Jua kali sector to specialize in mass production of spare parts that could be assembled into machines, area Governor, Ndiritu Muriithi said the county had a potential of being the best manufacturer to meet the demand for local and international market
“We have realized that most artisans require machines and spare parts that can be made locally.This partnership will enable them grow each other’s’ trade. You should make a variety of spare parts for cars and other moving parts of machines,” Muriithi said, while urging players in the informal sector to use the Laikipia County Enterprise Fund as their source of capital.
An industrialization expert, Prof. Nick Wanjohi challenged the artisans to move beyond making of goods to manufacturing by doing mass production.
“We want to work with Technical, Vocational Education Training Institutes (TVETs) as well as the Jua Kali industry in
making machine parts that will be assembled locally at some day.
“Our TVETs and TTIs have very modern machines that are underutilized. Making use of these technologies will improve the standards of living in the county as well as reduce crime,” said Prof. Wanjohi.
The Nyahururu Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Patrick Muli underscored the need to lower training levies for veteran artisans to access refresher courses so as to furnish their skills.
The leaders spoke in Nyahururu on Thursday, where various manufacturers, including Jalabert Engineers, M.M Engineering among others showcased their work.
By Anne Sabuni/Macharia Francis/Jacinta Wanjiru
