Nairobi Casual Workers Benefit From New Social Protection Scheme

The Kenyan government unveiled a new strategy — backed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other UN partners — aimed at extending social protection to workers in Kenya’s informal and rural economy. The plan was announced by Florence Bore, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, who said the strategy will guide the extension of benefits such as health insurance, retirement schemes, maternity coverage, income support for older persons, children and persons with disabilities.
The strategy comes in response to Kenya’s large informal workforce, which accounts for roughly 80 percent of the estimated 19.1 million active workers.
Until now, many informal sector workers — including traders, casual labourers, rural artisans, and small-scale entrepreneurs — have lacked access to formal social protection mechanisms, leaving them vulnerable to risks such as illness, disability, livelihoods disruption, and loss of income. The plan sets out a roadmap over the next five years to improve working conditions, expand compensation, and promote safer workplaces, while providing a safety net through pensions, health coverage and other support systems.
The reaction among labour advocates, informal-economy workers and civil society has been largely positive, with many welcoming what they describe as a much-needed but long-overdue move to recognise and protect labourers who form the backbone of Kenya’s economy. For countless workers living with uncertainty day-to-day, the promise of access to health care or maternity benefits marks hope for greater stability. Experts believe the initiative could help reduce poverty, vulnerability and social exclusion — especially among rural populations and marginalised groups. Observers say this could also encourage formalization of work, improve labour standards, and build resilience against economic shocks.
Looking ahead, the success of the strategy will depend on effective implementation, widespread awareness campaigns, and the ability to adapt programs to Kenya’s diverse informal economy. If carried through, it could reshape social welfare in the country — enabling millions of informal workers to enjoy protections long reserved for formal-sector employees. The approach may also serve as a model for other African nations facing similar informal-sector challenges.