Jua Kali; Kenya’s lifeline

When Richard Muteti was appointed to head the jua kali sector, there were no structures and players could not access funding and the right market for their products. He spoke to PETER MUIRURI about the changes he has made in the sector 

Walking with Richard Muteti on the streets of Nairobi, one would be mistaken for assuming that he is the city mayor. In every corner that we turned to, he received knowing glances, acknowledging greetings from street vendors, taxi drivers and patrons in restaurants. But then, that is the treatment you expect to be accorded a man who is not only the chief executive officer of Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations, but also the chairperson of Koinange Street Business Association for the last eight years.