Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming Kenya’s informal Jua Kali sector by linking certified artisans to formal employment and business financing opportunities both locally and internationally. This strategic framework, bolstered by the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy (RPL) launched in March 2023, seeks to validate the skills of Jua Kali artisans and integrate them into the formal economic sector for better pay and enhanced economic contributions.
The new initiative will allow skilled and experienced artisans to apply to designated Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Institutions for testing and certification, affirming their competence in specific areas. This move is set to bridge the gap between the informal and formal sectors, increasing the dignity and economic potential of thousands of workers.
During a multi-agency meeting at his Karen Residence, Nairobi, which included key government and sector representatives, Deputy President Gachagua emphasized the revolutionary potential of this linkage. “This Linkage Programme and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy intend to dignify the work of the Jua Kali sector, which carries a bulk of our population and drives our economy,” he stated.
The meeting also outlined the collaborative efforts between the government and various state agencies to implement this framework. Key discussions focused on enhancing the Jua Kali artisans’ participation in significant national projects like the Affordable Housing Program and Markets construction, leveraging their skills to meet the demands of these large-scale developments.
Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Federation of JuaKali Associations, Mr. Nyamai Wambua, expressed strong support for the initiative. “We are the happiest lot for this programme and being part of the conversation. We are part of the policy. We are happy for the State agencies supporting the agenda,” said Mr. Wambua.
Further, the initiative plans to establish Jua Kali worksites as assessment centers and transform master craftspeople into trainers. This will not only enhance skill levels within the sector but also provide continuous professional development for the artisans.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu noted the broader implications of the policy, especially for international employment. “Once the Jua Kali artisans are certified, the State Department will incorporate them in the Kazi Majuu Initiative, supporting them with market-driven needs and helping them find working space abroad,” she explained.
This initiative represents a significant step towards integrating the informal sector into the mainstream economy, promising to enhance the livelihoods of many and contribute to the national economic growth. The government’s commitment to recognizing and upgrading informal skills marks a new era of development that respects and elevates the contributions of all workers, regardless of their sector.
