Hairdressers in Busia County are calling on national and county governments to create better working environment for them.

Speaking during the workshop at the Busia Agricultural Training Centre, the hair hair-dressers led by Sarah Mutua said high taxation and unfavourable working conditions have remained a challenge to them.

“The county government policies on taxation have remained unfavourable to us. We need them to be reviewed to be more favourable. They should also ensure they know the number of hairdressers in the county and empower us so that we can create more jobs for our youth and by extension help increase the tax base,” she said.

Mutua further said the field has the ability to help one achieve their financial dreams of life if determined.

“We need to be empowered so that we can employ more youth. I have personally employed 10 youths and I have trained many more 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 in the field for 10 years called on men to embrace and join the sector.

“This work needs self-discipline as a man. Men in this field have added advantage because once you are trusted, you will be chosen first by the client. All men out there should embrace this work because it is just like any other work and it pays well,” he said

He further appealed to the county government to construct stalls for the hairdressers to work from.

“When the current regime came to power, they demolished our places of work promising to relocate us. To date, they have not kept their promise. The stalls that were constructed 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 which are too high,” he said.

Monicah Achieng, another hairdresser said the leaders have neglected them only to remember them come 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 was 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-realisation 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 cited lack of a designated working location as a challenge in the industry in Busia County.

“You visit a salon at a certain point, and when you come next time, they are not there. The either closed down because of high taxation, 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 to be available at the same place and shield them from harsh sun, floods and rain,” he said

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Rodgers Omondi