The association’s secretary, David Odanga, speaking to the media/ Faith MateteJua Kali artisans in Kisumu have announced plans to appeal a High Court ruling that declared the land they occupy belongs to the Kenya Railways Corporation.
The judgment was delivered on November 11 by Justice Samson Okong’o.
Advocate James Mwamu, representing the Kisumu Central Jua Kali Artisans Association, said the association strongly disagrees with the decision and will move to the Court of Appeal.
“We have defended this land for eight years and cannot accept the ruling,” Mwamu said.
He added that although the court recognised that artisans have occupied the area for decades, the government was given five years to either regularise the title or find an alternative parcel.
Mwamu described the land as an economic hub that supports families, workers, and trainees, noting that the Jua Kali sector plays an important role in Kenya’s economy.
David Odanga, the association’s secretary, said the artisans respect the court’s ruling but disagreed with several aspects.
He stated that artisans first occupied the land in 1986 and were formally granted a lease in 1994 by the late President Daniel Moi, following proper procedures.
Odanga added that the Kisumu Central Jua Kali cluster remains one of the largest in Eastern and Central Africa, and the association has instructed their lawyer to file an appeal. He also appealed to President William Ruto to intervene.
Businessman Edward Onyango, also known as Bob CEO, who attended the artisans’ gathering, called on both county and national leaders to protect the sector.
He emphasised that the court’s five-year window to regularise the title should be used promptly.
Bob described Jua Kali as a significant industry in Kisumu, employing over 50,000 people directly and indirectly.
He said that removing the artisans could affect families, investments, and a value chain supporting transporters, hardware suppliers, welders, carpenters, mechanics, and food vendors.
He added that the sector absorbs many graduates from TVET colleges, polytechnics, and universities in Kisumu County, providing practical skills and helping reduce youth unemployment.
Bob urged leaders to unite and fast-track the regularisation process to allow artisans to continue working peacefully.
Speakers at the gathering encouraged leaders to use the five-year window provided by the court to resolve the land dispute conclusively.
They warned that demolishing the site could lead to significant economic losses and affect investments.
The artisans said they will continue operating peacefully while pursuing their legal right to appeal the decision.
