Characteristics of Cottage Industries in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Cottage industries are the home-based units of production which rely on human- or animal-propelled skills and technology. They are characterized by accessibility to raw materials, low costs of operation, and proximity to markets. The cottage industries highlighted in this research paper are: pottery, crude sugar production, brick-making, liquor production, quarrying and masonry, carpentry, traditional medicine production, charcoal production, basketry and weaving, baking, bicycle repair, flour-grinding, and shoe-making and repair.