Jua Kali artisans in North Eastern to benefit from Sh1.1bn affordable housing project

Jua Kali artisans in North Eastern, set to benefit from the region's affordable housing project, have been urged to obtain necessary certification from the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) and other relevant government entities.

Speaking in Garissa during a sensitisation programme for local artisans, John Karanja, the Coast and North Eastern regional head for the Affordable Housing Project, emphasised the importance of certification to ensure artisans are well-positioned to benefit from the project. This initiative offers them the opportunity to supply fabricated doors and windows.

"We want Jua Kali artisans in North Eastern to fully prepare and seize the opportunities presented by the project," he said.

Karanja noted that the sensitisation for Jua Kali artisans, contractors, and the general public has begun in anticipation of the project, which aims to construct 408 housing units in Garissa County.

The regional head revealed that the project, valued at Sh1.1 billion, will be developed on the former government housing compound in Garissa town.

He reassured artisans who had previously faced issues with unpaid bills after completing county government projects, stating that the National Affordable Housing Project operates under a different framework that clearly outlines how local Jua Kali artisans will be engaged and compensated.

"The government will channel funds to contractors, who will collaborate with the Micro and Small Enterprises Department to facilitate the Jua Kali artisans. The intention is to ensure that these artisans truly benefit from the project," Karanja explained.

Osman Mohamed, chairman of the Garissa Jua Kali Artisans, expressed his appreciation for the government’s efforts to ensure local artisans gain from the national housing project.

"We anticipate this project will significantly impact our livelihoods, and we are hopeful of benefiting greatly based on the proposed mode of engagement," he said.

Mohamed added that local artisans are already registering their memberships, following an initiative by Garissa Township MP, Retired Major Dekow Barrow, who recently launched a certification campaign to ensure they do not miss the opportunity to participate in the project.

Thomas Bett, the Bura East Sub-County Commissioner, also addressed the artisans, encouraging them to take advantage of the opportunity. He described the project as an economic empowerment initiative for the local community, which will supply locally available construction materials needed by the contractors.