The Ugunja Member of Parliament, Opiyo Wandayi has challenged the youth to embrace Jua-kali in order to solve the employment crisis worsened by the Corona virus outbreak.
Wandayi said that the government was committed to promote the sector and was working with technical and vocational training colleges to help Jua-kali artisans acquire certificates to boost their chances of employment.
In a speech read on his behalf by his Personal Assistant, Hesborn Murema, during the official handing over of the Ugunja Industrial Centre to the area Jua-Kali Association, the legislator said the sector was key in realization of the country’s economic and social blue prints such as the ‘Big Four agenda and the Vision 2030.
He urged Ugunja Jua-Kali Association to use the Constituency Industrial Centre to promote business and entrepreneurship by producing quality products and services that will be sold even beyond borders.
Addressing the occasion, the Principal of Ugunja Technical and Vocational College, Mrs. Monica Odhiambo said the institution, through the government’s Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council will help skilled artisans get required certification.
“The government, through CDAC has provided an avenue through which Jua kali sector will be certified after assessment and given certification depending on their level of competence,” she said, adding that this will help the artisans compete favorably in the job market.
The Ugunja Jua Kali Association officials, Raphael Ogola (Chairman) and Zadock Malowa (Secretary), thanked the National Government for availing the facility to them, adding that it will help decongest the existing Jua-Kali sheds.
Malowa called on parents to take their children for training in various competencies in the sector now that schools are closed indefinitely.
“Parents should stop complaining that schools are closed and their children have nothing to do. Let them bring them to us for training in some skills that will come in handy in future as they await the reopening of schools”, said Malowa.
By Philip Onyango
