The government is taking significant steps toward formalizing and empowering the Jua Kali sector, which serves as a critical source of livelihood for millions of Kenyans, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said.
Gachagua, who chaired a multi-agency meeting at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi, emphasized the importance of recognizing the immense skills present within the sector and the need to enhance the dignity of workers.
"The Jua Kali Sector is a source of livelihood for millions of our people; the sector is rich in skills and expertise that drive our economy,” Gachagua said.
The DP said with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy in place, "we are taking a revolutionary approach to dignifying the Jua Kali workforce."
This initiative, he said, promises to provide local and international job linkages for artisans in the Jua Kali sector, as well as support financing for self-employment.
"This is about transforming informal skills and expertise into formal employment and providing linkages to opportunities both locally and internationally.”
The meeting included key government representatives from various departments and agencies, including State House Deputy Chief of Staff Josphat Nanok, Principal Secretaries Roseline Njogu of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, and Idris Dokota of Cabinet Affairs, among others.
Representatives from the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the Kenya National Quality Authority, the National Industrial Training Authority, and the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority were also in attendance.
