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The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday chaired a multi-agency meeting at his official residence in Karen.
The meeting focused on the government’s efforts to formalize and dignify the skills and expertise within the Jua Kali workforce, a sector that provides livelihoods for millions of Kenyans and plays a crucial role in driving the country’s economy.
The Deputy President expressed his confidence in the ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive framework aimed at linking artisans with job opportunities both locally and internationally. He emphasized that the government is committed to transforming informal skills into recognized formal employment through the recently implemented Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy.
“The Jua Kali sector is rich in skills and expertise that are critical to our economy. With the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy, we are taking a revolutionary approach to dignify our Jua Kali workforce. This policy will enable the transformation of informal skills into formal qualifications, opening up new opportunities for our artisans,” said Deputy President Gachagua.
The RPL Policy, which was recently enacted by the Government of Kenya, seeks to validate the skills and knowledge that individuals have acquired informally, enabling them to obtain formal recognition and certification. This initiative is expected to create pathways for Jua Kali artisans to secure better job opportunities and access to financing for self-employment, thus enhancing their livelihoods.
During the meeting, Deputy President Gachagua highlighted the importance of providing linkages between the Jua Kali workforce and potential employers, both within Kenya and internationally. He noted that this would not only boost the sector’s contribution to the economy but also provide artisans with the means to improve their standards of living.
The multi-agency team discussed various strategies to ensure the successful implementation of the RPL Policy and other initiatives aimed at empowering the Jua Kali sector. These include establishing partnerships with private sector stakeholders, developing training programs, and creating platforms for artisans to showcase their skills.
Deputy President Gachagua also emphasized the need for financing mechanisms to support self-employment among artisans. He pointed out that with the right financial backing, Jua Kali workers could expand their businesses, innovate, and contribute even more significantly to the country’s economic growth.
The meeting is part of the government’s broader strategy to support the informal sector, which has been a backbone of Kenya’s economy for decades. By formalizing the skills within this sector, the government aims to create a more inclusive economy where every Kenyan has the opportunity to succeed.
As the government continues to roll out these initiatives, the Jua Kali sector is poised to undergo a transformation that will not only benefit individual artisans but also contribute to the overall development of the nation.
