The Informal Sector: Reaching the Urban / Rural Poor through Schools and Religious Institutions

Abstract

The focus of this paper is on the initiatives by KTTC to reach the urban and rural poor using FaB approach to train micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs s accounts for 80% of total employment, but are unable to provide more 20% of the GDP owing to lack of technical and entrepreneurial skills. KTTC has partnered with COL to introduce an innovative approach to training the informal sector whose objective is to ensure convenience, and flexibility in skill development. The paper outlines the policy framework within which the Flexible and Blended Skills development initiatives at KTTC, will contribute towards the Vision 2030, millennium goals and realization of the TIVET ACT (2013). FaB interventions to reach the rural and urban poor will benefit from the establishment of an Incubation Center, where such training creates an enabling environment for MSMEs to move innovations into the market place. The incorporation of FaB approaches in teacher training is an important initiative owing to the possible multiplier effects as the student teachers cascade the use of FaB in their institutions and immediate communities. Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives have also been supported by FaB approaches that enable KTTC reach poor parents through schools and religious institutions. The major challenges facing the FaB approach are external, and contributes to delays in establishing an effective framework for informal sector training. With the government’s establishment of various funds targeting the informal sector, particularly the youth, women and people living with disability the role of FaB is set to become more critical in the training within the informal sector in Kenya. // Paper ID: 413