In the heart of Nyahururu, Laikipia County, the rhythmic sounds of sawing and hammering echo from the Kangiti Workshop. This is the domain of Josphat Kangangi, a master craftsman whose hands have shaped not only wood but also the careers of countless young carpenters for over four decades.
Josphat’s journey began in 1980, a simple start after his primary education. With a passion for creating, he embarked on his carpentry path with the most basic of tools. The coveted machines that now fill his workshop were not a starting gift but a hard-earned reward, acquired gradually through years of dedication as a carpenter and joiner.
His career has seen its own evolution. While he started as a contacter, the wisdom of age guided him to specialize in carpentry and joinery. This shift allowed him to focus on his calling, mentorship and using his skills to create.
To date, Josphat has trained more than seven full-time carpenters who are now successfully running their own businesses. He however says the industry has major gaps am many young people are not too keen to embrace it, older men dominate the field he says. Many young trainees are also inconsistent, they will begin apprenticeships but fail to see them through. Despite these hurdles, his belief in the trade is unshakable.
“The job is rewarding,” he insists. “Try to get the training, get the skills, and you will never be broke.”
Josphat says the government can help the industry by increasing training centres right to the grassroots level to ensure they are certified and formally recognised.
Fred Anasi, currently a degree student at Laikipia University, is a graduate with a diploma in carpentry from Kisii University. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, he has been employed to work alongside Josphat, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
“Experience is something you can’t get off your brain,” Fred reflects. “Once you have it, it stays with you.”
For nearly a year, Josphat has provided Fred with the opportunity to hone his craft, demonstrating that the workshop is not just a place of business, but a classroom for real-world skills.
The Kangiti Workshop in Nyahururu stands as more than a business; it is a pillar of the community and a beacon for any young person looking to build a sustainable future with their own hands.
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