Optimism as Kamukunji Jua Kali Association set to elect new officials

The Kamukunji Jua Kali Association will hold its elections on August 23, and as the date approaches, the atmosphere has become increasingly charged with, 38 candidates vying for 16 positions.

In the lead-up to the election, hundreds of posters and banners are displayed on the streets and stalls of Kamukunji as candidates seek to market themselves and secure votes.

The candidates are also engaging directly with the voters, moving from one stall to another, discussing their plans, and urging members to vote for them.

The positions up for grabs include that of chairman, vice chairman, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer, organising secretary, women leader, people with disabilities representative, patron, and six committee members.

About 1,800 members of the association are expected to vote in the upcoming election.

To qualify as a candidate for any of the positions, one must either own or work in a business within the Jua Kali area and must pay a candidature fee.

The campaigns have been ongoing for a month and members have expressed their eagerness to elect leaders they believe will keep their promises.

John Owuya, who has been doing business in Kamukunji for the last six years, said he plans to be among the first to vote as he is keen to see some of the current officials, whom he believes have underperformed, replaced.

"I am ready for this election. Everyone who underperformed must be sent home," Owuya said.

Campaign posters bearing images of aspirants. (Abdirahman Khalif)

Kennedy Muigai, another trader, anticipates a free and fair election. He said with more candidates vying for the positions this time round, the competition is more intense.

"Unlike previous elections, there is high competition. The candidates are more, and hopefully, it will be a free and fair election," said Muigai.

James Mwaura Thuo, the current chairman of the association who is running for re-election, said the election would be peaceful and free from irregularities. He also expressed confidence that many eligible voters would participate “as it is a contest of heavyweights".

The elections will be conducted by officials from the Ministry of Trade as the association falls under the micro and small enterprises category.

According to outgoing secretary Tom Ogeta, representatives from the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority and the Registrar of Societies will also be involved in overseeing the election.

Outgoing secretary Tom Ogeta. (Abdirahman Khalif)

The election will also be monitored by officials from the Kamukunji deputy county commissioner’s office, the office of the Kamukunji MP, the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations, the Shauri Moyo chief, and the OCS Shauri Moyo, among others.

"This will be a very free and fair election. There will be observers from different government offices, and it will also be very peaceful," said Ogeta.

The Jua Kali association is funding the elections using money collected from several public toilets they operate in the area. Ogeta said they are also hoping for contributions from well-wishers to help cover the costs of the election.

The elected leaders will serve for a three-year term, during which they will be expected to address the concerns of members and fulfil the promises made during campaigns.