By Bob Aston
Charles
Muchiri has made technology lamps for the past one year. The innovative
lamps are made using readily available materials.
Charles normally makes an average of
ten (10) technology lamps per day. He travels to various markets around
Laikipia and Nyandarua counties to sell his products.
The
informal sector is a crucial sector for Kenya. During the 1980s the term jua kali (Kiswahili for
'hot sun') came to refer to anybody working in self-employment in Kenya. In
Sipili division, Laikipia County a 29 year old man is leading the way in Jua
Kali Innovation.
Charles selling technology lambs |
“I was motivated to come up with technology
lamps because of the smoke normally produced by kerosene lamps. I believe that
this lamps are more environment friendly compared to Kerosene lamps,” said
Charles.
“The
smoke produced by kerosene lamps made me think of an innovative way of coming
up with a solution. I decided on the technology lamps. It was difficult at
first as I had to discard different designs before finally arriving at the one
I now use.” he added.
Charles says that the technology lamps
have various advantages compared to the kerosene lamps. There are no side
effects like smoke, last longer and is a new technology which is relatively
cheap and most materials are readily available.
A display of the technology lambs |
“Technology lamps will help one cut
down on costs of buying kerosene. One is only required to buy three batteries for
the lamp,” said Charles.
The informal sector is currently
undergoing a rapid expansion in Kenya. The sector now plays a central role in
the social economic sphere of Kenya.
Jua kali has been out of favour in
national policy for several decades and has often been neglected and treated as
low class, despite its important role in creating income for most Kenyans.
Charles is leading the way in showing the importance of the Jua Kali sector in
Kenya.
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