The Government is developing a framework to connect certified Jua Kali Sector workers with formal employment and business financing opportunities, both locally and internationally, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced.
This initiative, anchored in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy introduced in March 2023, aims to guide the informal sector’s workforce into the formal job market, ensuring better wages and enhanced contributions to the economy.
Under the RPL policy, skilled artisans can apply to designated Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions for assessments and certification of their competencies. Gachagua hailed this linkage between Kenya’s informal sector and TVET colleges as a strategic move.
He emphasized that connecting artisans to employment and business opportunities will drive economic growth and elevate the sector’s status.
The Government is also addressing financial barriers that have impeded Jua Kali entrepreneurs from securing contracts.
“The Recognition of Prior Learning policy represents a significant advancement for Kenya,” Gachagua stated. “The Jua Kali sector, which employs a large portion of our population, is a crucial economic driver. This Linkage Programme and RPL policy are designed to honor their contributions.”
Gachagua made these remarks during a multi-agency meeting at his Karen Residence in Nairobi. The meeting included Deputy Chief of Staff Josphat Nanok, Principal Secretaries Rosaline Njogu (Diaspora Affairs) and Idris Dakota (Cabinet Affairs), as well as senior officials from TVET, the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), and representatives from the Jua Kali Federation.
The Deputy President is leading efforts to formalize the Jua Kali sector through the RPL policy to improve income for artisans. The linkages program will have NITA train TVET principals to assess Jua Kali artisans, enabling them to receive certificates verifying their skills.
Additionally, some Jua Kali Master craftspersons will be appointed as assessors and trainers, with some work sites designated as assessment centers.
The plan also aims to integrate Jua Kali artisans into the Affordable Housing Program and Market construction projects. Gachagua stressed the importance of providing formal recognition to skilled workers, stating, “This Linkage Programme is transformative. It will certify informal sector workers and incorporate them into significant national projects, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to the RPL policy.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations, Nyamai Wambua, praised the initiative, noting that it will create job opportunities and integrate the Jua Kali sector into broader economic activities.
“We are thrilled with this Programme and our involvement in it. The support from State agencies and the Deputy President’s office is greatly appreciated,” Wambua said.
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu added that certified artisans would be included in the Kazi Majuu Initiative, which aims to create employment opportunities abroad.
“We want our Recognition of Prior Learning certificates to be on par with international standards,” she said.
The RPL policy was launched on March 22, 2023, and this meeting, chaired by the Deputy President, was a follow-up to ensure it achieves measurable benefits for informal sector workers.
President William Ruto has directed contractors and developers involved in the Affordable Housing Program and Market projects to subcontract Jua Kali artisans for construction and supply of materials, underscoring the Government’s commitment to integrating informal sector workers into national development projects.
