President William Ruto has unveiled a broad plan to strengthen Kenya's informal sector, announcing free government-funded skills certification, designated workspaces and expanded business infrastructure for artisans in a move aimed at improving jobs, boosting incomes and giving skilled workers greater access to economic opportunities.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday during a meeting with Nairobi County artisans, the President said the government had recognised the critical role played by workers in the informal sector and would ensure they benefit from national development programmes despite many lacking formal qualifications or regular employment.
Among the key measures announced is a government-funded certification programme targeting experienced artisans who acquired their skills through years of practical work but do not have formal certificates. Ruto said the initiative will allow them to gain recognised qualifications at no cost, making it easier to secure employment and participate in government projects, including the Affordable Housing Programme.
"There are many artisans who are highly skilled but do not have certificates. You asked me to ensure you receive certification. We have already opened an online registration system where you can register, and the Government of Kenya will pay the cost of obtaining your certificate. We will then issue you with a certificate so that when we are looking for artisans, you can step forward and identify yourself as a plumber, mason or carpenter. You will also be able to secure opportunities under the Affordable Housing Programme."
Nairobi County artisans at State House, Nairobi on July 23, 2026. PHOTO/PCS
The President said the programme had already attracted strong interest, revealing that 40,000 artisans had registered and encouraging more skilled workers to enrol.
"We already have 40,000 artisans registered. If you have not yet registered, I urge you to do so so that together we can move the country forward."
Ruto also announced plans to establish designated workshops and business spaces in towns across the country after artisans raised concerns about losing their current places of work.
"You told me you are being moved from your current places of work. Every town must have designated workshops where people can run their businesses and repair equipment. Every artisan deserves a proper place to work because Kenya belongs to everyone."
He said the government would also invest in markets, cold rooms and workshops to help artisans grow their businesses and improve access to customers.
"We agreed that this government belongs to all the people. I asked artisans to come here today so that we can agree on the way forward together. We have planned that there will be places to sell your products, markets, cold rooms and workshops because artisans play a key role in moving this country forward. Kenya belongs to everyone. I said Kenya should not belong to a few people but to all Kenyans."
The Head of State said the government was keen to ensure artisans are not left behind simply because they work outside formal employment. He noted that while workers with payslips are set to benefit from a salary increase from August 1, those in the informal sector also deserve government support.
"I understand many of you do not have payslips because you are artisans and business people. Those with payslips will receive a salary increase from August 1, but artisans must also be included because Kenya does not belong only to those with payslips. As we make decisions for those in formal employment, we must also think about those working in the informal sector. As President, I will ensure that Kenyans are supported, including business people and artisans. We will organise workshops so that you can continue contributing to the country's development."
The President's announcement comes as artisans continue to face challenges that have slowed the growth of the Jua Kali sector, including limited access to affordable credit, inadequate workspaces, lack of recognised certification, outdated equipment and competition from cheap imports.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the informal sector employs more than 18 million people, accounting for over 83 per cent of total employment in the country. It also contributes between 24 and 32 per cent of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product.
The sector created 703,000 of the country's 782,000 new jobs in 2024, making it the biggest source of employment.
Analysts say expanding skills certification, improving access to affordable financing, developing modern Jua Kali sheds, increasing technical training, supporting business formalisation and creating better market opportunities will be key to strengthening the sector.
Studies also show that more than half of Jua Kali enterprises shut down within six years, pointing to the need for continued government support to help artisans build sustainable businesses.