Workshop Advances Kenya's Social Protection Strategy for Informal and Rural Workers

The primary objective of the workshop was to foster collaboration among these stakeholders to develop a detailed roadmap for implementing Kenya's social protection strategy.

In a pivotal gathering on April 25-26, 2024, the National Social Protection Secretariat (NSPS), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), convened a workshop aimed at advancing Kenya's National Strategy for the Extension of Social Protection to workers in the informal and rural economy. This initiative, supported by the Government of China and PROSPECTS, underscores the critical need to enhance social protection coverage for the majority of Kenya's workforce, which operates outside formal employment structures.

Kenya's informal and rural economy sustains approximately 84% of its population, yet many workers in this sector lack access to adequate social protection, exposing them to economic uncertainties and social vulnerabilities. Recognizing these challenges, the Government of Kenya formulated a comprehensive strategy to extend social protection benefits to this vital segment of the workforce.

The workshop brought together an array of stakeholders, including representatives from NSPS, the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), The National Treasury, the Central Organization of Trade Unions, Kenya (COTU-K), employer associations, informal economy groups, and various governmental bodies and international organizations such as FAO, UNHCR, and WFP.

The primary objective of the workshop was to foster collaboration among these stakeholders to develop a detailed roadmap for implementing Kenya's social protection strategy. Participants engaged in intensive discussions to outline actionable steps for extending coverage, addressing barriers to access, and ensuring the adequacy of social protection programs for workers in the informal and rural economy.

Launched on October 12, 2023, the strategy aims to:

• Provide clear guidelines for expanding social protection coverage inclusively.
• Outline specific measures to overcome barriers preventing informal and rural workers from accessing social protection schemes.

During the workshop, stakeholders collectively devised an actionable roadmap designed to pilot initial implementation in selected counties while scaling efforts nationwide. This collaborative effort underscores a concerted commitment to transforming Kenya's social protection landscape, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all workers.

The workshop's outcomes highlight a unified approach among diverse stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policies and concerted efforts to uplift informal and rural workers through robust social protection mechanisms. This initiative marks a significant stride towards achieving sustainable development goals and fostering inclusive economic growth across Kenya.