RUTO’S BIG PLAN FOR KENYA’S FUNDIS: 3 NEW INITIATIVES TO PUT ARTISANS ON THE MAP
By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
Labour PS Shadrack Mwadime/Photo
President William Ruto is set to launch three major initiatives targeting Kenya’s informal workforce, with the government seeking to formalise skills, expand market access and strengthen social security for millions of artisans.
Dr.Rukia Atikiya, National Industrial Training Authority (NITA)/PHOTO
President Ruto will on Monday preside over the national launch of the Fundi Locator, NSSF Haba Haba and NITA’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Programme, under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project.
Speaking during a press briefing, Labour PS Shadrack Mwadime said the initiatives are designed to address longstanding challenges facing skilled Kenyans, including masons, electricians, plumbers, welders, hairdressers and mechanics, who often operate without formal certification, social security or direct access to wider commercial markets.
At the heart of the programme is the Fundi Locator, a digital skills-exchange and technician marketplace that will enable registered artisans to showcase their expertise and connect with customers seeking verified professionals.
The NSSF Haba Haba scheme will provide informal workers with an avenue to build financial security. Under NYOTA, participants will be automatically enrolled and assigned NSSF numbers, with contributions starting from as little as KES 25 per day through mobile money.
The third pillar, NITA’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Programme, will provide experienced artisans with a pathway to formal certification. Workers will have their practical skills assessed against recognised national trade-test standards, allowing them to gain accreditation without spending years in a classroom.
The government says the three interventions will combine market visibility, savings and skills certification to help informal workers gain greater recognition and opportunities.
The launch is being positioned as a major step towards creating a more formal, protected and commercially connected informal workforce—giving Kenya’s fundis the tools to be “seen, secured and celebrated.”
