Raila Unveils Plans to Restore the Jua Kali Sector When in Office

According to Raila Odinga, the private sector must be the primary employer. He also believes that the Jua kali industry can be formalized, a proper shade built, and businesspeople given funds to run their operations.

According to him, the sector has employed more than 16.4 million Kenyans.

"This consists of more than 86 percent of the Kenyan workforce that contributes over 34 percent of our GDP," Raila stated.

Raila believes that, in addition to providing decent work environments and more operating space, it is critical to recognize and reward them for their skills.

As a matter of priority, the government is expected to launch the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy, and Raila stated that he will choose from there.

The RPL Policy Framework recognizes knowledge, skills, and competencies regardless of where and how they were obtained. It is a progression map designed to help skilled workers transition from informal to formal employment.

Raila further added that RPL is a tool for making unrecognized and undocumented skills visible in order to contribute to and improve youth employability, mobility, lifelong learning, social inclusion, and self-esteem.

"With RPL, the youth who have talents and would not wish to pursue higher formal education will have an opportunity to pursue an equally dignified career pathway that is clear and comparable to the alternative academic and formal education and career pathways," the ODM leader stated.

He believes that RPL will improve the lives of workers and students of all ages, as well as unemployed people, refugees, migrants, and other marginalized groups.
Raila further added that the sector is now the country's single largest employer and a source of income for many.