Bricklaying brings in up to Ksh 5 million in a year. Since its inception in 2004, the ward has got a different image
Young men and women in Sigowet brick cottage industry faces unnecessary challenges where they should be safest –in Kona plains.
Brick-laying, which employs quite a number of youths, is the hardest of menial jobs that involves cutting and carrying sharp papyrus reeds, loading –throwing bricks through a line of up to five people –to a lorry, and watching the ovens overnight in the cold. In the last ten years, when the industry boomed, it has expanded from Kona to other clay rich deposits.
Youths, school dropouts and married, with no other source of income, indulge their passion for bricklaying. With 5sqm of clay field, one requires a molding block and a hoe to start production.
Bricklaying bring in up to Ksh. 5 million in a year. Since its inception in 2004, the ward has got a different image: a rise in iron-roofed and brick houses and double increase in number of dairy cows. Every year, however, up to 100 youths, some of whom finance their education, are employed.
The seasons dictate the industry so that the production is high during the dry season and low during the rainy season. The production is inclined to seasons change because of its infrastructure: traditional kilns fueled by wood and poor storage –stacks of bricks covered with papyrus reeds.
Kona plains, wetlands covering a third of Sigowet ward, do not support farming. Rice growing would be the alternative if the soil retains water. Brick-laying, the easiest option –it requires little capital than other enterprise activities, is a must economic activity for the populace.
The living standard is improving: children can go to school and there is enough profit to plough back to the business. The enterprises, however, faces a difficulty –transport. There are no dry roads to the wetlands. Donkeys are the only means of transport supporting the industry.
The products of Sigowet brick industry is of low quality –just mixture of water, which is ferried by donkeys, and clay. It also fetches low market prices –five shillings per block. The cost of producing twenty thousand bricks, which are deemed enough to harden in a traditional kiln, is very high.
In every election, Sigowet brick cottage industry is a theme for politicians. It attracts attention because it can employ many youths more than any other cottage industry. The promises –installation of the solar or electric kiln, and construction of a murram road, which if put to practice would help the people, are said for the sake of securing a public seat.
The youths have resorted to form groups in order to secure funds. The microfinance –Kericho County Youth SACCO, has helped them to their feet. But the loans hardly cover the medical insurance for accidents –cut off toes, swollen feet and chest problems as a result of dust.
work hard fellows.
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