Introduction

In developing economies like Kenya, the vast majority of the workforce operates within the Informal Economy, lacking access to conventional Social Protection mechanisms such as health insurance, pensions, and unemployment benefits. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip policymakers, labor officials, social protection practitioners, and development experts with the specialized knowledge and innovative strategies required to effectively extend social protection coverage to informal workers, including the rapidly growing segment of platform workers and micro-entrepreneurs. Participants will gain a robust understanding of tailored contributory and non-contributory schemes, digital solutions, legislative frameworks, and inclusive financing models, enabling them to design and implement social safety nets that are relevant and accessible to this diverse and vulnerable workforce. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, best practices, and real-world case studies pertinent to the dynamic informal sector in Nairobi, Kenya, empowering you to foster greater economic security and well-being.

This informal sector social security course is crucial for individuals and organizations in Kenya and across Africa striving to achieve universal social protection, promote decent work, and reduce poverty among the most precarious segments of the labor force. Mastering inclusive social protection policy, implementing flexible contribution mechanisms, and understanding digital solutions for informal workers' coverage are indispensable for navigating the complexities of informal employment and building equitable social welfare systems. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in innovative social protection strategies and extending social security to vulnerable workers, positioning your organization as a leader in fostering inclusive economic growth and social justice across the region.

Target Audience

• Social Protection Policy Makers
• Labor Ministry Officials
• Social Security Fund Administrators
• ILO/UN Agency Program Managers
• Researchers in Labor & Social Policy
• Trade Union Representatives
• Organizations supporting informal workers & entrepreneurs

Course Objectives

• Understand the characteristics, challenges, and diverse segments of the informal economy.
• Grasp the fundamental concepts of social protection and its relevance to informal workers.
• Learn the policy frameworks and legal considerations for extending social protection coverage.
• Explore various models for contributory and non-contributory social protection for informal workers.
• Develop proficiency in designing flexible contribution mechanisms tailored to informal incomes.
• Understand the role of digital solutions in facilitating registration, payments, and service delivery.
• Learn strategies for reaching and enrolling informal workers, including platform workers.
• Explore linkages between social protection and financial inclusion for micro-entrepreneurs.
• Understand the importance of data collection and monitoring for informal sector social protection.
• Develop effective communication and awareness campaigns to encourage uptake.
• Explore financing options and fiscal considerations for extending coverage sustainably.
• Drive the development of more inclusive, equitable, and comprehensive social protection systems.
• Position yourself as an expert in navigating the complexities of social protection for the informal economy.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding the Informal Economy & Social Protection Gaps

• Defining the informal economy: characteristics, size, and contribution to GDP (with focus on Kenya)
• Diverse segments of informal workers: street vendors, smallholder farmers, gig workers, domestic workers, micro-entrepreneurs
• Social protection needs and vulnerabilities of informal workers
• Gaps in existing social protection coverage for the informal sector
• International labor standards and national policies on informal work

Module 2: Policy Frameworks for Extending Coverage

• Review of national social protection policies in Kenya and their informal sector relevance
• International best practices and ILO recommendations for extending coverage
• Legal and regulatory reforms required for informal sector inclusion
• Role of formalization strategies in conjunction with social protection
• Challenges and opportunities in policy implementation

Module 3: Contributory Schemes for Informal Workers

• Designing flexible and affordable contribution mechanisms
• Voluntary vs. mandatory participation models
• Adapting benefits packages (e.g., health insurance, pensions, maternity benefits)
• Role of cooperatives, associations, and informal worker organizations
• Case studies of successful contributory schemes globally

Module 4: Non-Contributory Schemes & Integrated Approaches

• Leveraging social assistance programs (e.g., cash transfers, public works) for informal workers
• Integrated social protection systems: linking cash with services (health, education, livelihoods)
• Conditional vs. unconditional transfers for informal worker support
• Social protection as a shock absorber for informal households
• Addressing multi-dimensional poverty through comprehensive approaches

Module 5: Digital Solutions for Informal Sector Social Protection

• Digital registration and identity verification for informal workers
• Mobile money and other digital payment systems for contributions and benefits
• Data management platforms and information systems for informal sector workers
• Use of big data and analytics for targeting and monitoring
• Cybersecurity and data privacy considerations in digital solutions

Module 6: Reaching and Engaging Informal Workers

• Strategies for outreach and enrollment of diverse informal worker groups
• Community engagement and participatory approaches
• Building trust and addressing barriers to participation (e.g., literacy, digital divide)
• Role of awareness campaigns and financial literacy programs
• Special considerations for platform workers and their unique challenges

Module 7: Financing and Sustainability of Coverage

• Fiscal space analysis for extending social protection to the informal economy
• Innovative financing mechanisms (e.g., solidarity contributions, sin taxes, national lotteries)
• Cost-benefit analysis of expanding coverage
• Long-term sustainability strategies for informal sector social protection funds
• Public-private partnerships in social protection delivery

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre.

We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.