Using simple tools and recycled materials, Jua Kali artisans in Kiambu are turning everyday waste into practical, affordable items for homes and small businesses.
Most Jua Kali artisans in Kiambu rely on scrap materials sourced from Nairobi’s Industrial Area and markets like Gikomba, transporting them back by pickup or public means before turning them into stoves, gates, sufurias, and other practical items using basic tools and traditional techniques.
Their products are known for being affordable, durable and customised according to customers needs. “Our customers are locally based,” says David Kimani, a Jua Kali artisan and the workshop manager in Kiambu. “Most of them live around here or come from nearby towns and most of them are business people; hence, they buy in bulk,” he added.
David added that they employ the local youth who come up with new skills especially in design and finishing. “Some of them help us create products that save space; they use social media to check designs and we make them with the metals.”
Beyond affordability, the Jua Kali sector plays a significant role in promoting recycling and sustainability. By turning waste into usable products, the artisans help reduce the volume of scrap materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or clog waterways.
Peter Wamae, a Jua Kali artisan, explained the challenges they go through in their workplace. “Our biggest challenge is lack of working tools to mold and create our product; hence, we are forced to use our bare hands causing us injuries and takes a lot of time to finish just one product,” said Wamae
Another issue is lack of proper working space. Most of the Jua Kali artisans operate in open-air setups or roadside stalls. “When it rains, we stop working. There’s no shelter, and our raw materials become rusted due to the harsh weather,” Peter further explains.
Despite challenges, Kiambu’s Jua Kali artisans continue to craft affordable, reliable products, proving that local innovation still holds strong in a changing economy. Their role, though often overlooked, continues to shape everyday life in Kiambu.
By Laura Mundeye
