Artisans in soapstone industry in Tabaka Ward, Kisii County, have appealed to the government to craft a policy to guide the rock mining process, improve mining standards to boost production.

Speaking at Nyabigege shopping centre where they ply their trade, the artisans also urged national and county governments to provide modern machinery to enable them to harvest the rock in bulk and improve the quality of the artefacts to boost the carving business.

A renowned soapstone dealer in the area, Daniel Apepo said soapstone is a rare stone found only in Canada, India, Zimbabwe and Kenya, with the best quality being found in Kisii. Apepo said the rare stone, if utilised well, can enrich the community and appealed for more sensitisation forums so that the locals can appreciate and preserve the mineral for posterity.

According to one of the artisans, Moses Nyamosi, modern machinery is safe to use especially during the rainy season and they could help mine enough stock of carving stones for steady supply of the artefacts throughout the year.

Nyamosi noted that quality products will ensure artisans get better earnings and create job opportunities for more youth in the industry, thus mitigating unemployment rate among the young people. He observed that without the modern machinery, there will be stagnation in the industry and low earnings translating to poor livelihoods.

Jane Kemunto noted the soapstone industry has enabled her to provide for her family, especially with the reduction of menial jobs like farming due to hard economic times. Kemunto pointed out that support from the government will ensure the low business seasons are reduced to enable more women to venture into the business.

Another artisan, Joseph Nyatike, noted that improved clientele will grow the local economy by offering employment and boosting opportunities in other related sectors in the area. Nyatike said that improving the industry will complement the government’s efforts towards equipping learners with competency-based skills for self-employment.

He welcomed the local community to attend an upcoming soapstone exhibition slated for December 20-27 at Nyabigege shopping centre to appreciate its many coloration forms including white, green, yellow and black, among others.

Recently, the Kisii County Assembly passed the 2025 Finance Bill where they increased the flat-rate levy on raw soapstone from Ksh20,000 to Ksh50,000, in a bid to cushion local miners.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Jane Naitore and Mercy Osongo