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Nairobi, Kenya – The Jua Kali sector, a critical pillar of Kenya’s economy and a source of livelihood for millions, is poised for transformation. With the implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy, the government is taking revolutionary steps to dignify and formalize the skills and expertise of the Jua Kali workforce, providing them with access to formal employment and opportunities both locally and internationally.
During a multi-agency meeting chaired by a high-ranking official at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, a framework was discussed to link artisans to job opportunities and financing options for self-employment. This initiative is part of the broader goal to harness the potential of the Jua Kali sector, which is rich in skills that drive the economy.
Key government officials attended the meeting, including State House Deputy Chief of Staff Josphat Nanok, Principal Secretaries Roseline Njogu (Diaspora Affairs) and Idris Dakota (Cabinet Affairs), and representatives from various state departments. These included the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education Training, the State Department for Labour and Skill Development, the State Department for MSME Development, and the State Department for Housing and Urban Development.
Other significant participants were the Kenya National Quality Authority, the National Industrial Training Authority, the Technical and Vocational Education Training Authority, the TVET Training Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council, the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority, and representatives from the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali and the Jua Kali Federation.
The meeting underscored the importance of developing a cohesive strategy that connects Jua Kali artisans to formal employment opportunities and supports their entrepreneurial ventures. This approach aims to elevate the status of informal workers and integrate them into the formal economy, enhancing their contributions to Kenya’s growth.
By formalizing the skills of the Jua Kali workforce and providing them with the necessary support, the government seeks to unlock new economic opportunities and ensure that the sector’s immense potential is fully realized. This initiative is set to pave the way for sustainable economic development and improved livelihoods for millions of Kenyans engaged in the Jua Kali sector.
