The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) has called on the government to introduce major changes to the social protection system to better support informal workers.Speaking during the 2026 National Social Protection Conference on Monday, October 5, FKE Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo called on the government and other stakeholders to explore sustainable ways of financing social protection programmes.Among the changes proposed by the federation is the introduction of social protection financing for workers in the informal sector.According to Mugo, many Kenyans working in the informal sector do not have regular access to social protection schemes.At the same time, the federation is proposing digital and flexible contribution systems that would allow people with irregular incomes to contribute when they can.Additionally, FKE is calling for programmes to train those in informal employment, to equip them with skills and employment opportunities so as to make them more resilient and return to work after economic or climate-related disruptions.Currently, employed workers have identifiable employers, regular incomes and established mechanisms through which statutory protections and contributions can be administered.Informal workers, on the other hand, may not have a conventional employer making regular contributions on their behalf.FKE's proposal could also have implications for schemes such as the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), especially in expanding contributory social protection to informal workers.NSSF has expanded its retirement savings options to allow Kenyans without formal employment to contribute towards their pension.Those interested can register as Voluntary NSSF Members and make contributions directly through mobile money.Members can contribute Ksh200 monthly or Ksh4,800 annually. NSSF also offers the Haba Haba na NSSF programme, which allows members to save flexibly on a daily basis, starting from Ksh25.
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