By Rodgers Omondi, Busia
Hairdressers from Busia County are calling on the county government to create a better working environment that will see creation of more job opportunities. According to them, this will help to solve the unemployment crisis and increase the tax base for more revenue generation.
Speaking during the workshop at the Busia Agricultural Training Centre, the hair dressers led by Sarah Mutua, said high taxation and unfavorable working conditions has remained a challenge to them.
“The county government policies on taxation have remained unfavorable to us. We need them to empower us much. They should ensure they know how many hairdressers are in the county and empower us so that we can create more opportunities for our youth and even increase the tax base” she said.
Mutua further said the field has the ability to make one achieve the dreams of life if determined adding that the opportunity for the youth are many.
“We need to be helped so that we can employ more youth. I have personally employed 10 youth and I have trained many youths because I have been in this field since 2003. This field doesn’t demand much as long as you are determined and focused, you can easily learn. I am a landlady today because of the salon work and this clearly indicates that if you are a determined person, you can make great steps in this field” she said.
She also indicated that the field needs more training to help them improve in their creativity adding that with the improved technologies, there is need to ensure they are equipped with more skills and knowledge.
Tony Ogema, a hairdresser who has been working for 10 years called on many men to embrace and join the sector.
“This work needs self-discipline as a man. Men in this field have got added advantage because once you are trusted, you will be chosen first by the client. All men outside there should embrace this work and join because it is just like other work and it is well paying.” He said
Ogema further added that the county government has not helped them with an alternative place to work from.
“When the current regime came to power, they demolished our places with the promise of relocating us. Until today we have not seen and yet the constructed stalls were allocated to other people. We need a specific space for us to work from for better coordination. We are also calling for the reduction of the license fees so that everyone can work well” he said.
Monicah Achieng, another hairdresser said the leaders have neglected them only to remember about them during the election time.
“We have been hearing that leaders are empowering small business people but that has not reached us. Most times we have endured hardship including working under harsh sun and even rain during the rainy season. We want the county government to help us to be in better working condition.” She said.
MC Maddox from Darling beauty who were training the hairdressers said the industry plays a big role in creating employment for many.
“Today we have trained 200 of them but this county has more than a thousand hairdressers. Self-realization should be a motive that will help youth. Let’s have the passion and work hard as this will help us as youth” he said
He further highlighted lack of a specific working location as a challenge in the industry in Busia County.
“When you meet a salon at a certain point, when you come next month, you might not find that person at the place because of high tax, rent or demolition. We need to have a specific shade for them just the same way we have a fish market and cereal market. This will enable a good number of them being available at the same place and shield them from harsh sun, floods and rain” he said
He further added that their work is to ensure they empower more girls so that they can be able to be self-dependent and be in position to provide for themselves.
“Many of our young people are coming out of schools and remain idle. When we engage and train them, this will help even to reduce many immoral cases that are witnessed in the country” he said.
