NAIROBI, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- George Japolo, a furniture maker on the south of Kenya's capital Nairobi, has never been hopeful in his life as he is currently.
The optimism of the 43-year-old, who has made furniture for over 15 years, stems from the fact that for the first time in decades, the government is buying products from artisans en masse.
The products include school furniture like lockers and desks and hospital beds, among other items.
The move hands the artisans, who have for years relied on individual citizens for market, the much-needed lifeline they have yearned for years.
It authenticates their work as quality and opens doors for other people to buy the products.
"I have applied to be part of the artisans who will make furniture for the government. I am hopeful that I will qualify because I run a workshop and have employed several people who can do the job," said Japolo.
In the project, the government plans to buy desks, lockers and seats for both primary and secondary schools from artisans across the country under an economic stimulus program.
"The artisans will be involved in the production and supply of desks to schools. Artisans involved in carpentry are expected to register online and at sub-county levels," the government informed the artisans in a notice.
Dean Achesa, one of the artisans who will supply the desks, said he will be able to create jobs for dozens of youths at his workshop through the work.
"This project will offer jobs not only to carpenters but also welders who will make the frames," he said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta noted that the project will give the youth a chance to trade with the government and boost their skills.
The government is implementing the project as part of its COVID-19 stimulus program that seeks to boost recovery of the economy especially at the grassroots.
The project is further in tandem with Kenya's quest to industrialize through provision of technical skills at its about 2,000 technical institutions.
"The government has been deliberate in its efforts to promote artisans and technical education and the buying of desks is one of the efforts. This project not only boosts technical education and grassroots economies but it also creates jobs, and certifies work of local artisans," said Ernest Manuyo, a lecturer at Pioneer Institute in Nairobi.
But this is not the first time the government is buying from local artisans. In July, two welders were asked to make 500 beds and supply to public hospitals in a bid to boost admission capacity in the wake of COVID-19. Enditem
