Garissa artisans equipped for housing project roles in youth job creation push
Garissa Township MP Dekow M. Barrow encouraged the artisans to make the most of the opportunity and urged contractors to follow government guidelines.
Jua Kali artisans in Garissa took part in a one-day capacity-building forum to prepare them for roles in government housing projects, including painting, welding, and making window frames.
The initiative aims to integrate local artisans into the affordable housing program, creating economic opportunities for the community.
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Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Ramadhan Mwabudzo said the forum brought together artisans and contractors to strengthen their collaboration, in line with presidential directives to boost local participation in the projects.
"The artisans will cooperate with contractors to undertake their role in integrating them into the construction and supply chains of the housing project," he said.
The county commissioner urged young people to take advantage of the job opportunities offered by the government, which has set aside a significant share for roles such as plumbers, electricians, masons, carpenters, and labourers.
He added that more youth-focused programmes, including Kazi Mtaani, are being finalised to expand employment prospects.
Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Ramadhan Mwabudzo speaks at the jua kali artisans sensitisation meeting. (Photo: Issa Hussein)
Garissa Township MP Dekow M. Barrow encouraged the artisans to make the most of the opportunity and urged contractors to follow government guidelines.
He noted that 400 housing units are already under construction in Garissa town, with additional projects—including a 1,000-unit hostel for Garissa University and two markets—set to begin. These developments are expected to create jobs for youth, jua kali artisans, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
"You were all accredited by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (IMSEA) to undertake the initiative. We expect quality and reliable services," he encouraged.
Dekow urged the IMSEA to empower the artisans with equipment such as welding machines and other tools that will help to scale up the housing project.
John Karanja, the North Eastern housing project coordinator, told the contractors to ensure activities reserved for the artisans remain as per the government directives.
Some of the participants who attended the jua kali artisans sensitisation meeting in Garissa. (Photo: Issa Hussein)
"Items including windows, doors, landscaping, painting and others are strictly meant to integrate youth and artisans in the housing projects. It enhances their skills, creates job opportunities, scales their operation and will eventually have an economic impact," he said.
Abubakar Mohamed, chairman of the Garissa jua kali sector, said the artisans are ready and eager to take part in the construction and supply chains of the housing projects.
"We were accorded an opportunity that we never witnessed before. The sector was previously neglected, but now this will empower us and many will be encouraged to join the jua kali sector," he said.
Abubakar urged Garissa youth seeking skill development to volunteer at local Jua Kali workshops, where they can receive training to bridge skill gaps and improve their chances of employment in the housing project.
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