Kenya’s Jua Kali artisans are being handed the keys to unlock new opportunities in the government’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP), thanks to the launch of 'Chanuka, Jipange na Opportunities'.

The initiative, spearheaded by 20X Entrepreneur, seeks to empower over 4,000 small-scale artisans, suppliers, and construction professionals across seven counties by early 2025.

The programme is designed to tackle the long-standing challenges that have kept many in the informal sector on the fringes of Kenya’s economic transformation.

As the government grapples with a housing deficit of 2.5 million units, it aims to construct 100,000 affordable homes annually. 

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Despite being the backbone of the nation’s workforce—employing over 80 per cent of the population—the Jua Kali sector has struggled to access financial services, secure stable growth opportunities, and integrate into large-scale government initiatives like the AHP.

According to Eunice Maina, CEO of 20X Entrepreneur, this is an overdue step towards inclusion and growth.

“The Jua Kali sector employs over 80 per cent of Kenya’s workforce but remains underserved in terms of access to financial products and growth opportunities,” she said.

The programme, she added, seeks to inspire empowerment and possibility within the informal sector.

The initiative focuses on equipping participants with essential skills, from financial management to customer relations, alongside access to business tools that will allow them to tap into opportunities within the housing value chain.

Artisans are also being introduced to financial solutions tailored to their unique needs, including affordable credit and insurance.

These efforts aim to break long-standing barriers that have stifled their growth.

A key component of the programme involves fostering collaboration between the artisans, the government, and private sector players.

To achieve this, a comprehensive database of participants is being created, paving the way for a more organised and traceable network of suppliers and contractors.

At the same time, success stories from the Jua Kali sector are being amplified to challenge the misconceptions surrounding government projects, while highlighting the sector’s vital contributions to Kenya’s economy.

The rollout of the initiative began with pilot sessions in Embu and Nakuru counties, drawing over 350 participants eager to seize new opportunities.

During these sessions, artisans explored ways to connect with manufacturers, negotiate better credit terms, and grow their businesses within Kenya’s evolving economic landscape.

More training sessions are planned in Machakos, Mombasa, Nairobi, Eldoret, and Homabay in the coming weeks, with the next session scheduled for January 16th in Machakos County.

To ensure the programme’s success, 20X Entrepreneur has partnered with Bingwa and The Federation of Jua Kali Associations, facilitating mobilisation and registration of participants.

These partnerships are critical in building a robust ecosystem where small-scale artisans can thrive and actively contribute to the Affordable Housing Program.

Maina expressed optimism about the potential impact of the initiative, urging private sector stakeholders to join hands in supporting the Jua Kali sector.

“We invite organisations that share our vision of economic empowerment to join us in making this initiative a success,” she said.

With its innovative approach, 'Chanuka, Jipange na Opportunities' is set to transform Kenya’s informal sector, allowing artisans and suppliers to not only participate in the Affordable Housing Program but also reshape their economic futures.

For a sector often overlooked, this initiative is more than just an opportunity—it’s a lifeline to sustainable growth.