A veteran Jua Kali artisan in Chuka has attributed his more than six decades in the metal fabrication industry to hard work, determination and resilience despite overcoming a difficult childhood.
Yussuf Kithaka, who has worked as a Jua Kali artisan since Kenya attained independence in 1963, said he ventured into the trade after being orphaned at a young age and forced to fend for himself.
Speaking to KNA at his workshop in Chuka Town, Kithaka said the business has enabled him to earn a living, acquire land, build a home, educate his children and support his family over the years.
“In those days, I sold a charcoal stove for only one shilling. Today, I sell the same stove for about Sh500, but money no longer has the same value it had back then,” he said.
Kithaka specializes in making a variety of metal products, including charcoal stoves (jikos), cooking pans (karais), watering cans and other household items that are sold to customers in Chuka and neighbouring areas.
The artisan has encouraged young people to embrace vocational skills and self-employment, saying manual work should be viewed as a source of dignity and economic empowerment.
“Young people should not despise work. They should work hard because those who refuse to work risk ending up in poverty,” he said.
Despite his achievements, Kithaka said the Jua Kali sector continues to face challenges, including the rising cost of raw materials such as scrap metal and competition from imported products.
He called on the government and other stakeholders to strengthen support for small-scale manufacturers through affordable credit, modern equipment, business financing and improved market access.
Kithaka said initiatives targeting youth and small businesses, such as the NYOTA programme, demonstrate the importance of empowering entrepreneurs to expand their ventures and create employment opportunities.
He noted that with adequate support, the Jua Kali sector can contribute significantly to economic growth by promoting innovation, creating jobs and encouraging more young people to pursue practical skills.
After more than 60 years in the trade, Kithaka continues to work from his roadside workshop, preserving a craft that has provided him with a livelihood while serving generations of customers in the region.
By Dickson Mwiti and Glory Kiende
