We chose
Mwenye macho haambiwi tazama as the title of our event as it encapsulates the fact that, despite the informal food economy being so visible and critical to our lives, it is still often overlooked, misunderstood and under-appreciated.
By distinguishing the ‘informal’ parts of the food economy we can create an unintended distance, making it seem like a separate entity. In reality, the informal economy is inseparable from the overall economy - it’s the backbone that holds communities together, sustains livelihoods, and fuels entrepreneurship and innovation.
The insights we present today are rooted in extensive research. Earlier this year, Brink undertook participatory research on
The Future of Work in the Informal Economy in Kenya. This was done in partnership with Kenyan partners Laterite, Procol Kenya, Ideas Unplugged, and Busara, with seed funding from TRANSFORM (Unilever, FCDO, EY).
Through this study, we captured the lived experiences of over 700 individuals, particularly within the food and agriculture sectors, capturing their challenges, innovations, and aspirations. We also defined a shared better future - one that ‘recognises and values the informal economy’.
The impact of the informal economy on Kenya’s broader economic landscape is profound. In 2022, the informal economy generated 83% of new jobs, with a significant portion in food and agriculture. The agricultural sector alone provides livelihoods—employment, income, and food security needs—for more than 80% of the population. Much of this work is in rural areas, and the informal food economy plays a critical role in linking smallholder farmers to urban markets and other sectors. There are 30,000 ‘vibanda’ (roadside restaurants) operating in Nairobi alone. The agricultural sector represents 33% of Kenya’s GDP and informally employs millions of Kenyans, including women, men, and youth.
These jobs are not just numbers - they represent lifelines for families and communities. Food service provision alone employs over 1.4 million Kenyans, significantly impacting daily life, particularly for women and youth.
The informal food economy also plays a critical role in addressing broader issues such as food security, food price inflation and nutrition. For millions of urban Kenyans, access to affordable, nutritious food is only made possible by the informal food economy.
It is crucial we address the challenges which are preventing us from reaching a thriving future food economy. Policies and programmes that recognise and support these vital contributions are essential. In partnership with TRANSFORM and those working in the informal economy, we identified mechanisms to achieve this; including providing access to ‘friendly’ and affordable credit, investment in ‘good quality’ infrastructure, and legal frameworks that protect and empower informal operators. By doing so, we can ensure that the informal food economy is not just a safety net but a platform for growth and prosperity.
If you’re working in food systems or across informality, we’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas. Let’s continue the conversation. Reach out by sending an email to kelley@hellobrink.co to join us in reimagining food systems for the future.