NAIROBI, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's artisans are seeking to learn Chinese technology in order to boost their productivity, the sector lobby said on Friday.

Richard Muteti, Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations, told Xinhua in Nairobi that one of the major complaints in the market is about the quality of finished goods made by the sector which are unable to compete with imports.

"We are looking for an institutional way to engage the Chinese system so that our people can learn the latest technology that will enhance the competitiveness of their products," Muteti said.

He observed that 18 sectors including carpentry and metalwork have been identified that can benefit from modern technology from China.

Muteti said that artisans and small cottage industries provide the bulk of employment opportunities in the country.

He added that the sector is facing numerous hurdles because they are largely confined in the informal sector which has difficulty in accessing credit from formal financial institutions.

"Our members cannot afford tools which are imported in order to enhance the quality of their products," he added.

"We would like to take a delegation of Kenyan artisans to China to see how the small cottage industries operate there and gain valuable lessons," Muteti revealed.

He added that local artisans are already familiar with Chinese goods which are preferred because they meet the needs of local consumers.

According to the lobby group, local artisans are key beneficiaries of Chinese contractors who carry our major infrastructure projects in the country.

"We derive livelihoods by supplying products such as windows and doors to the contractors," he added. Enditem

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