JUA KALIJUA KALI

The Vibrant InformalThe Vibrant Informal Sector of KenyaSector of Kenya

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONThe purpose of this presentation is to explore the The purpose of this presentation is to explore the possibilities of a South African – Kenyan skills possibilities of a South African – Kenyan skills development collaboration. development collaboration.

The aim of the collaboration is to share the The aim of the collaboration is to share the experiences from the already existing Jua Kali experiences from the already existing Jua Kali project in Kenya with South Africans, where South project in Kenya with South Africans, where South Africans are able to learn from and take Africans are able to learn from and take advantage of the skills empowerment programme advantage of the skills empowerment programme and create a similar project in Southern Africa.and create a similar project in Southern Africa.

JuaJua Kali – The StoryKali – The StoryJua Kali meaning “Hot Sun” is highly symbolic of Jua Kali meaning “Hot Sun” is highly symbolic of the first Kamukunji metal workers who were the first Kamukunji metal workers who were promised a shaded structure by the then promised a shaded structure by the then President Moi of Kenya in 1985 in recognition of President Moi of Kenya in 1985 in recognition of their contribution to the economic sector of their contribution to the economic sector of Kenya.Kenya.

It includes a vast array of workers in Kenya’s It includes a vast array of workers in Kenya’s informal economic sector which now extends far informal economic sector which now extends far beyond Nairobi and includes metal workers and beyond Nairobi and includes metal workers and other artisans.other artisans.

ProductsProductsRanging from metal stoves to wheelbarrows are Ranging from metal stoves to wheelbarrows are made from shacks in the slum to middle class made from shacks in the slum to middle class living rooms.living rooms.Developed from traditional industries, products Developed from traditional industries, products include pot making, ironmongery, weaving, include pot making, ironmongery, weaving, basketry and beyond to convection ovens and basketry and beyond to convection ovens and even aeroplanes!even aeroplanes!Via these products, the Jua Kali has witnessed a Via these products, the Jua Kali has witnessed a rapid expansion since Independence 40 years rapid expansion since Independence 40 years ago, not only providing employment but also as a ago, not only providing employment but also as a means for many Kenyans to provide for the means for many Kenyans to provide for the manufacturing and service industry.manufacturing and service industry.