ECM Trade & Tourism, Hon Kebati Osoro leading the delegation from Kisii County to the Expo
The 15th EAC Jua Kali/Nguv Kazi expo brings together artisans of all trades ranging from wood carvings, furniture, pottery, food production, textiles, leather, jewelry and personal care products. The artisans exhibit their products to the public, exchange ideas and share technological innovation amongst them. The Micro and Small Enterprises constitute up to 90% of firms in the EAC with over 60% of employment generation, making them significant economic players in the region.
The 1st Expo was held in Arusha in December 1999 which coincided with the re-establishment of the East African Community by the three Heads of States. Since then the regional exhibition has been rotational with Kenya being the host last year.
The Expo’s objective is to contribute towards the realization of the regional development goals by lending support to the Jua Kali sector in order to make it sustainable. With devolution in Kenya, Counties have taken a bigger role in giving the sector support and recognition.
The Kisii County Government prides itself in having a vibrant Jua Kali sector. There are a total of ten exhibitors displaying the rich industry from the region. The renowned Soap Stone industry- the only one in the world is a major attraction with the public thronging the stands to buy the artifacts. Mr Paul Magori, a Soapstone carvings trader from Tabaka area in Kisii was excited at the number of people that had visited and purchased his poducts. His worry was that he would not have enough supplies for the entire period. “ The turnout this year has been high even on the first day. I expect to make good sale and business contacts to improve my business” he said. The Soapstone Industry has contributed to economic stability and the Kisii County Government has been keen to improve the industrial and commercial development of this industry to further reduce poverty in the region.
Speaking at the Expo, The Kisii County Executive Member of Trade & Tourism, Mr. Kebati Osoro, retaliated that the traders have been facilitated to form Sacco which will help regulate the market and reap maximum benefits from their products.
"Kisii is an agricultural County. Our Bananas are well known across the region and indeed the world. The banana crisps displayed at this expo show a sector that has moved from the traditional use of bananas for domestic purpose to a commercialized approach. A banana factory is scheduled to be built in the region, and this will further improve production of banana produces." said Mr. Osoro. There were also displays of Flour, dried vegetables and peanut butter butter.
Mr Elius Mabiria moved from the USA to come and set up a small scale oil and soap manufacturing plant. He makes soap, detergent and oil from natural resources in Kisii County. He sells his products in Kisii and other parts of Kenya but hopes that he will expand his market reach to the rest of the East Africa region.
The rich culture of the Kisii people is another area that has been commercialized. The use of herbal medicine has been there for as long as the Kisii have lived. Now this method of treatment is supplementing contemporary medicine and providing an alternative for people in Kisii and in other parts of East Africa.
Mr Osoro assured the artisans that the County would support them by facilitating them to create an expanded marketing outlet for their produces just like provided at this expo. "We are encouraging our artisans to have dialogue and exchange ideas and technology trends with their counterparts in the region. This will enhance trade and bridge the gap in socio-economic situation in the region".Added Mr. Osoro.
Over 200 Kenyan artisans are participating in the Expo that was opened by the Rwandese Prime Minister and is scheduled to end on Sunday 7th December 2014.
