- September 22, 2022
Jua kali workers urge state to lower prices of metal, spare parts
With President William Ruto’s presidency journey having begun, most informal sector workers from Kirinyaga county have urged him to live up to his campaign pledges and lower the prices of metal and spare parts. Many of the workers have lamented over the un-conducive working environment owing to the tough economic situation.
At the Kutus Jua kali Association where car repair is the main activity, the mechanics say it has been hard to get by as most of their customers now no longer require their services. Charles Riungu, the association’s chairperson says the high prices of metal and car spare parts is one of the key reasons why they are rendered jobless on many occasions. He says in a week, they can go for up to three or four days without a customer.
“Many are the days we are idle in our businesses as a lot of our customers have abandoned their cars for other modes of transport. This is occasioned by the high prices of the spare parts which prompts them to abandon their vehicles at homes whenever they break down.”
He is now urging Ruto’s administration to lower the prices of such goods by minimizing or scrapping the import duties imposed to help their businesses survive.
He says most customers prefer the imported spare parts, as they are strong and durable as compared to the locally made. He also appealed to the new government to consider empowering our businesses by revising downwards the prices of the spare parts.
Another mechanic echoed similar sentiments saying the job is a great source of income to most youths who would otherwise be involved in crime-related activities. It is for that reason he urged the state to fulfil its pledges to empower their livelihoods.
“We are optimistic that the Ruto government will fulfil its pledges and more so create a conducive working environment for us. President Ruto understands our struggles and as such we are optimistic that he will look into our affairs,” Andrew said.
In equal measure, he called on it to improve the state of roads to ensure efficient and smooth transport.