Scrap sculptor

In Kenya, informal craftsmen are known as jua kali. When jua kali complete their apprenticeships, they save enough money to buy a welding machine, obtain premises, and start a workshop in the informal sector. This is the story of Moses, who established his workshop six years ago along Ngong Road. He started by fabricating typical furniture pieces, but switched to sculpture three years ago when he came across an interested European buyer. Now he makes these high-end sculptures out of scrap metal and is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the area.

Others along Ngong Road have already copied his designs identically and are reaping the benefits of scrap art for export. Despite the contentious issues of competition and intellectual property, the area is showing signs of an emerging sectoral cluster that may over time develop a reputation and attract many buyers. It would be wise for the businesses to coordinate their operations and specialize in different types of sculpture.

Though Moses uses the cheapest materials he can find, the cost of scrap metal is on the rise in Nairobi. Small markets in Gikomba supply the city’s informal sector with scrap metal. But traders have found it increasingly profitable to ship scrap overseas to China in large containers, so the local supply has diminished and the price increased. According to Moses, 1kg of scrap metal costs KSH70 (USD0.95). Therefore, a 15kg giraffe sculpture would cost KSH1050 (USD15) to produce, plus wage for three days’ labor, for a total of approximately KSH2100 (USD30). At a hefty mark-up of KSH10000 (USD135), Moses still sees a very nice profit.

Moses also makes his own welding machines out of copper coil, tape, steel rod, and a sheet metal housing. He now has over 10 such homemade machines.