Knowledge sharing techniques amongst "Jua kali" artisans in Kenya

Abstract

The knowledge uprising has brought about increase focus on the role of knowledge in enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of organizations in what has been termed the 'knowledge era'. Each organization is trying to come up with ways of sharing knowledge to create impact in the society they thrive in. This paper is based on exploratory survey to assess the knowledge sharing techniques amongst the jua kali artisans in Kenya. This study sought to analyze knowledge sharing amongst Jua Kali workers in Kenya; Describe the nature of their business; investigate the type of knowledge they posses; identify the knowledge sharing mechanism they use; analyze how effective the knowledge sharing mechanisms have been; identify the challenges affecting the effective sharing of knowledge; and propose strategies which can be used by the Jua Kali workers in Kenya to enhance effective knowledge sharing. Primary data was collected through interviews using self-administered questionnaires which were distributed to the Jua kali artisans. Additional information on Jua kali workers was collected from relevant scholarly documents analysis. The findingsindicate that most of the Jua Kali workers use mentoring as a way of sharing knowledge. These knowledge sharing techniques are hampered by language barrier this is because some of the mentors or trainees are largely illiterate and can only communicate in their vernaculars. The findings can be use by the Kenyan government to develop a training of trainers programme for the experienced artisans to equip them with new skills as well as how to impart them.