Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition party presidential aspirant, Raila Odinga, unveiled a plan to create sustainable employment opportunities to hundreds of thousands working in the informal sector, and more so the Jua Kali industry.
Speaking at his Karen home on Tuesday, May 10, Raila recommended the adaptation and implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy in Kenya (RPL) - a system that will recognise skills in the Jua Kali industry.
He added that the programme will play a vital role in creating more job opportunities for thousands of Kenyans who have not been recognised due to lack of academic papers.
"The RPL Policy Framework provides for the recognition of knowledge, skills and competencies regardless of where and how they were acquired. It is a progression map to facilitate skilled workers' transition from informality to formality," stated Raila.
The former Premier opined that for the longest time, millions of Kenyans have suffered in the hands of well-connected certified individuals who exploit their skills.
He noted that certification will cut off the middlemen and ensure the workers earn what they deserve.
On the other hand, his political ally turned competitor and Safina presidential aspirant, Jimi Wanjigi, announced an ambitious plan to create at least 13 million new jobs.
According to Wanjigi, there are 13 million households in Kenya and he intends to create a job for each of them.
In his plan to curb unemployment released on Tuesday, May 10, Wanjigi noted that multiplicity of trading licences and compliance are some of the problems faced by small and media enterprises (SMEs).
He termed the current tax regime as exorbitant, vindictive, punitive, and analogue, noting that his administration will digitize the whole process, reduce the amount of time taken in registration of businesses as well as reduce the number of licences required to run one.
"Businesses will only have to pay a standard one fee, we reduce the number of licences from more than eight to one and digitize the whole process to reduce corruption interfaces," stated Wanjigi.
To make families more self sustaining by reducing the cost of buying food stuffs, Wanjigi noted that his administration will gather and use data to support subsistence farming to improve the overall productivity.
Further, he noted that he will work with stakeholders to reduce the cost of farm inputs through local manufacturing.
"I will also spearhead reforms at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and the Strategic Food Reserve to ensure food insecurity is eliminated," he added.
On his part, Deputy President William Ruto - who is also the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) presidential flagbearer - promised to create at least 4 million jobs should he be elected as the Head of State in August.
In his previous addresses, Ruto promised to channel Ksh100 billion to SMEs including greengrocers and the boda boda sector.
While Raila proposed to give a Ksh6,000 monthly stipend to families living in abject poverty, Ruto targets over 1 million businesses with tax incentives and affordable credit.
The three candidates, however, agree that revitalizing the agriculture sector - which is termed as the backbone of the country's economy - should take the centre stage.
