State to use apps to market artisans' work, says CS Chelugui

The Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui has said the government has plans to support artisans’ work through the establishment of apps that will expose them to the international market.

Chelugui said the apps will help connect the artisans with direct buyers from the local and global markets and eradicate middlemen, raising their earnings.

However, the CS noted that the artisans will be required to form co-operatives to access various government funds the same way it is supporting coffee, avocado and dairy farmers.

“Our government has put in place strategies to support artisans and boost their livelihoods as part of its manifesto,” he said.

Chelugui said this while attending the Kigumo basket weavers’ expo and fundraiser organized by nominated senator Veronica Maina at Kiguo Bendera grounds in Murang’a county.

The forum saw leaders, traders and other well wishers contribute over Sh5 million to support baskets weavers who included middle aged and elderly women who paraded their beautifully done baskets.

The funds will help them acquire raw materials and start other income generating activities as a group.

The CS praised the basket weavers for producing high quality ciondos and expressed confidence that they will do well once marketed digitally.

“I am impressed by what I have seen. The only thing we need to do now is to expose these products to the online market. Once they form a co-operative, and apply for funds from Uwezo or Women Entreprise Funds, they will be able to be self-sustenance,” he said.

Other government agencies such as Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE), the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Project (NYOTA) and the Hustler Fund, he noted, also support SMEs with funds and trainings.

The nominated senator noted her aim was to help the weavers earn better from their products saying they have been weaving for decades with little earnings.

“I am happy that we have raised these funds that will go a long way in helping them to get raw materials because they have been struggling in the past,” she said.

Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa also reiterated the need for the weavers and other artisans to take advantage of government funds to bolster their businesses.

She also noted that her ministry has established Sanaa app that will be used to market artisans’ works internationally.

The gender CS observed that her ministry has also developed Sanaa App to help various women groups market their products.

The app will incorporate the weavers, carvers, sculptors and other artisans producing art, she said, and that her ministry is working to ensure funds are allocated in the next budget to support them with funds for raw materials.

This, she said, will ensure they use good quality materials to produce quality products.

Jumwa however appealed to Kenyans to shun gender-based violence that has stigmatized many and left them with emotional and physical wounds.

“We want a society that is free from Gender Based Violence and we’re fighting it as an administration. Our President has pronounced himself numerous times on the issue. Let's come together, protect our children, and go back to guarding our neighbours’ children like it was before”.

Lands CS Alice Wahome lauded Maina for the initiative saying it will empower the women and support their families.

She pledged to source funds to have multi-million Kangari and Muthithi markets completed to support trading activities in the Kigumo constituency.