Kandie donates Sh6 million equipment to jua kali sector

About 500 Jua kali workers have received Sh6 million worth of equipment to promote self-employment and expansion of business in Kabarnet town.

The donation on Monday was made by Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie in a self-empowerment drive at Kabarnet museums grounds.

Jua kali artisans spokesman Wycliffe Owii said MP Kandie has practically proved the proverb that it's better to give a hungry man a net to go fish instead of giving him a fish.

Kandie donated work kits and tools to mechanics, electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters and others.

Owii said jua kali workers will unanimously reelect Kandie, popularly known as Mas Mas Kazi.

“Of course, we shall grill and ask all his competitors to first of all show us what they have given us to deserve our votes," he said.

“This is part of empowerment to help skilled groups offer quality services to their customers daily," Kandie said.

The MP said the durable tools and equipment were donated by his German friends to help the jua kali sector.

Kandie also donated a truckful of equipment to the Baringo Technical Institute.

He said Baringo technical  enrols more than 3,000 students, compared with 300 in 2014.

Since he was elected in 2017, Kandie has fully sponsored 600  young people from his constituency to pursue vocational courses.

“Skilled labor and self-employment is the way to go, the sector employs at least 75 per cent of the people in the world,” he said.

He said the jua kali sector has contributed greatly to the growth of families, communities and the economy.

Kenya is experiencing an acute shortage of skilled labour and with training, unemployed youths can take up opportunities monopolised by foreigners, Kandie said.

Kabarnet Jua Kali Association chairman Haron Kimasmas praised th MP an urged him to allocate more to the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) to revamp the sector.

“Our local artisans are currently complaining of poor working environment, they urgently require space and shades to produce and sell their products,” Kimasmas said.

MP Kandie then went round Kabarnet town to meet boda boda and matatu operators, market traders, lorry and taxi drivers, carwash and salon attendants to listen to their problems.

“I have heard you. I will come back soon with empowerment gadgets enough for each one of you,” he said.

The legislator also said the ground is peaceful and called on leaders to freely visit Baringo to sell their agendas for 2022.

(Edited by V. Graham)