For over 19 years, Richard Muteti has been at the forefront of advocating for Kenya’s Jua Kali (informal) sector, a critical pillar of the economy that employs over 80% of the workforce and drives industrialization from the grassroots. His relentless efforts have been instrumental in positioning artisans and informal sector 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 led groundbreaking initiatives that connect small-scale artisans to national and regional markets, increase skills recognition, and push for policy reforms that support the sector.
A Sector That Can Deliver Kenya’s Economic Promises
The Jua Kali sector is not just about small traders and artisans—it is the foundation of Kenya’s industrialization, innovation, and job creation. If wellsupported, it can be the driving force behind the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), helping the government achieve its promises of employment, economic inclusion, and manufacturing growth.
However, despite its potential, the sector remains largely informal, with many skilled artisans lacking certification, access to finance, and government-backed incentives. This is where the political class must act boldly and decisively to:
❖ Fast-track the formalization of informal skills through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to help artisans qualify for better opportunities.
❖ Establish dedicated financial support programs that provide affordable credit and grants to Jua Kali entrepreneurs.
❖ Ensure that government procurement policies allocate a fair share of contracts to Jua Kali enterprises to promote "Buy Kenya, Build Kenya."
❖ Invest in modernized Jua Kali infrastructure, including affordable workspaces, industrial parks, and incubation hubs for artisans.
Time for Political Leadership to Deliver for the Informal SectorPolitical leaders—from the President to Governors, MPs, and County Assemblies—must recognize the informal sector as the heartbeat of Kenya’s economy. The Jua Kali sector is not asking for handouts; it is demanding policy reforms, investments, and inclusion to enable it to create millions of jobs, reduce poverty, and accelerate economic growth.
Muteti’s leadership has laid the foundation for change, but the ultimate transformation lies in the hands of policymakers and political decision-makers. If Kenya is to achieve Vision 2030 and the 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 is: Will Kenya’s political leaders rise to the occasion and unlock the full potential of the Jua Kali sector?
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