Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition flagbearer Raila Odinga has undertaken to push for the adoption of a policy that will recognize prior training in the Jua Kali sector to create jobs.

Raila says the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy is meant to address the high unemployment rate being witnessed in the country and boost the Kenyan economy.

In a live address from his Karen residence, he said the policy will recognize more than 16.4 million artisans in the Jua Kali sector with currently accounts for 34 per cent of Kenyan GDP.

He says through RPL, the Azimio administration plans to uplift the Jua Kali sector to recognise skills, knowledge and competence as opposed to the papers an artisan possesses.

Raila Odinga. 

“I want to push for the adoption and implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy in Kenya. This provides for the recognition of knowledge, skills and competency regardless of where and how they were acquired,” Raila said.

Raila says RPL services will improve the lives of workers and learners, unemployed people, refugees, migrants and other marginalised groups, especially the millions of Jua Kali artisans.

“I have always believed in the capacity of the Jua Kali sector to turn around the fortunes of our country and provide more for our people,” Raila added.

Jua Kali artisan. PHOTO/COURTESY

The former Prime Minister Odinga says it is time Kenya formalized the informal sector via significant partneships that will see the country enhance her skills and job opportunities.

The Azimio presidential aspirant vowed his administration, if it takes over power in August, will ensure artisans have access to affordable credit and guarantee to their products.