Jua Kali sector to get Sh3b worth of orders in housing projects
Peter Ngila
The government is set to place a Sh3billion procurement order with the informal (jua kali) sector to produce 100,000 doors and 120,000 windows as local content providers for the Affordable Housing Programme.
The Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works is urging informal sector players to work within their associations so that they can access opportunities as project suppliers of doors and windows for projects in Nairobi’s Starehe and Shauri Moyo estates.
Speaking during the opening of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Jua Kali Sensitisation Programme and launch of a Jua Kali Production Manual, Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said the ministry had ring-fenced some components used in the construction of homes that the jua kali sector can supply them.
“We are offering the jua kali sector an opportunity to participate in the construction of houses in the affordable housing programme.
The sector is a big contributor to employment in the country and a key enabler for the manufacturing sector.
We are keen to upskill them to enable them to contribute to this national development project while supporting their growth,” said the PS.
The ministry is encouraging players in the informal sector to form associations and register them to provide construction components and materials for government projects. About 70 items can be supplied by the jua kali sector.
To enable funding, a multi-agency committee led by National Construction Authority (NCA) will provide the players with 30 per cent advance payment upon the successful bidding process,” Hinga said.
NCA Executive Director Maurice Akech said the MSME Jua Kali Production Manual for the components of the Affordable Housing Programme is to provide stakeholders with the standards required to design and manufacture components for affordable housing projects.
