Siaya Wows East Africa Community with Enchanting Displays of Jua Kali Craft

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By Eric Omwombo

Leaders from EAC recognized and lauded the drawing works of Joakim Ndalo an entrepreneur of Siaya County.

The leaders led by the vice president of Burundi Bazombanza Prosper were wowed by the quality drawings of Burundi President Ndayishimiye Evariste which she took to present to the president.

Vice President Prosper, who officially opened the 23rd EAC MSME’S trade fair in Bujumbura said Mr Ndalo’s drawings are real and he deserves recognition.

“My president will be happy to see his quality photograph. I would like Mr Ndalo to prepare a payment voucher for us to facilitate it,” said Prosper.

Trade officials from Tanzania were equally drawn to the Siaya exhibitions with quality drawings and noticed a drawing g of their President Suluhu Hassan.

They equally requested a payment voucher from Mr Ndalo.

However, Mr Ndalo prepared a voucher worth Sh 6000 and forwarded it to the Vice president for Burundi.

“Have prepared and forwarded a voucher worth Sh 6000 to the Burundi government and was in the process of preparing one for the Tanzanian government.

The event “Jua-kali Nguvu Kazi” which is connecting East African MSMEs to enhance intra-EAST African trade is being hosted at Circle Golf field in Bunjumbura.

Mr Ndalo was among other Jua-kali artisans who were showcasing their works made out of great technologies.

Meanwhile, Siaya County through its Enterprise and Industrial development seeks to engage stakeholders to promote Jua-kali works with a view of improving emerging technologies to meet the standards of the job market.

According to Siaya Enterprise Executive Grace Agola and Assembly Enterprise Chairman Mark Okeyo, we have attended the 23rd exhibition event of micro small and medium enterprises hosted in Bujumbura, Burundi and noted high technologies adopted by artisans who showcased their property and have noted that artisans should be capacity build.

The duo said that the cooperative fund that was factored in the budget will be rolled out and it shall play a great role in boosting the businesses and improving the works.
Angola noted that it’s the Jua-kali sector that drives the country’s economy and hence must be prioritized.

“Vision 2030 is equally pegged on this sector and hence will not tire in ensuring that the sector thrives,” she added.

Siaya was part of the event and it showcased a gas cooker that uses used oil, double brick-making machines, quality architectural works, chicken brooders, high-quality foldable stools and chairs, table cum shelf among other items.

The ten-day event was also graced by Cooperative and Micro Small Medium Enterprises Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugoi who challenged EAC member states to unlock barriers that inhibit trade in the region.
Mr Chelugoi who was flanked by Cooperative PS Susan Mongare, Kericho Governor Eric Kipkoech and Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii warned that unless existing barriers get resolved business at the EAC will stagnate.

Chelugoi noted that the lack of proper transportation, language barrier and exchange of monies at the borders of East African Countries are inhibiting trade.

“Just the way we have a common passport, the same should be applied to other initiatives including the currency,” he said.
“There is power in the common currency adding that counties that embraced the common currency of euro are safe while those who bolted out are facing financial challenges,” he added.

Mr Chelugoi said there is also a need for the adoption of the Swahili language to ease communication.

“It is time for us to promote East African Common currency and I hereby challenge Secretary General for EAC to push for that. It’s so unfortunate that am paying my accommodation fee with dollars here in Burundi instead of a common currency.”