Jua Kali Sector: The Sleeping Giant of Kenya’s Economy – A Call to Action for Political Leaders
Mr. Muteti Leading the H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya through the Jua Kali Expo grounds at a past MSMEs Exhibition at the SK Show ground in 2023
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For over 19 years, Richard Muteti has been a champion for Kenya’s Jua Kali (informal) sector, a vital pillar of the economy that employs over 80% of the workforce and drives industrialization from the grassroots. His relentless advocacy has helped position artisans and informal enterprises at the center of Kenya’s economic transformation agenda.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations (KNFJKA) and Regional Project Manager for the East African Community Jua Kali/Nguvu Kazi Exhibitions, Muteti has spearheaded initiatives connecting small-scale artisans to national and regional markets, increasing skills recognition, and pushing for policy reforms to support the sector.
A Sector That Can Deliver Kenya’s Economic Promises
The Jua Kali sector is not just a collection of small traders and artisans—it is the foundation of Kenya’s industrialization, innovation, and job creation. If well-supported, it can drive the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), helping the government achieve its promises of employment, economic inclusion, and manufacturing growth.
However, despite its enormous potential, the sector remains largely informal, with many skilled artisans lacking certification, access to finance, and government-backed incentives. To unlock its full potential, political leaders must act boldly by implementing the following reforms:
- Fast-track the formalization of informal skills through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), allowing artisans to qualify for better economic opportunities.
- Establish dedicated financial support programs, providing affordable credit and grants to Jua Kali entrepreneurs.
- Ensure fair government procurement policies, allocating a significant share of contracts to Jua Kali enterprises under the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative.
- Invest in modern Jua Kali infrastructure, including affordable workspaces, industrial parks, and incubation hubs to foster innovation and growth.
Time for Political Leadership to Deliver for the Informal Sector
From the President to Governors, Members of Parliament (MPs), and County Assemblies, Kenya’s leadership must recognize the informal sector as the heartbeat of the economy. The Jua Kali sector is not asking for handouts; it is demanding policy reforms, investment, and inclusion to create millions of jobs, reduce poverty, and accelerate economic development.
Muteti’s leadership has laid the groundwork for change, but the real transformation lies in the hands of policymakers and political decision-makers. If Kenya is to achieve Vision 2030 and BETA goals, the time to act is NOW—by placing artisans and informal entrepreneurs at the center of economic policies and development strategies.
The question remains: Will Kenya’s political leaders rise to the occasion and unlock the full potential of the Jua Kali sector?
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