40 Jua Kali artisans led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade Grace Agola have expressed their desire to clinch the top position as they embark on a journey to Burundi to showcase wares produced in Siaya.
The CECM in Charge of Trade lauded the fair as an avenue for the jua kali artisans and traders to network beyond Kenyan borders and foster partnerships, as well as expose them to modern production techniques within their relevant sector, a factor she says will go a long way in broadening the knowledge base in the industry.
Governor James Orengo, who flagged off the delegation that will represent Siaya in the East African Micro and Small Enterprise Authority trade fair from December 5 to 15, 2023, in Bujumbura, Burundi, expressed his optimism that the fair will open up Siaya artisans to the East African market, whose current population is estimated to be beyond 300 million people.
According to the Kenya Economic Survey Report 2022, the Jua Kali sector contributed 25% of the GDP, demonstrating the immense role of the Jua Kali sector in the economy, which cannot be underestimated or overlooked.
Apart from creating jobs, Jua Kali products are exported to neighboring countries, thereby fetching foreign exchange for the economy, and such fairs play a pivotal role in marketing Jua Kali products abroad.
Speaking at the county headquarters, Governor Orengo stated that the regional exhibition is a stepping stone and that his government is committed to having an exhibition in Nairobi to enable the rest of the country to develop an interest in Siaya and open up markets for products made in Siaya while attracting investments into the county.
By Calvin Otieno
