About ISWAK
Empowering Kenya’s Informal Sector Through Unity, Advocacy & Opportunity
Who We Are
The Informal Sector Workers Association of Kenya (ISWAK) is a national membership-based organization representing workers, entrepreneurs, artisans, traders, and service providers within Kenya’s informal economy. We exist to organize, empower, and advocate for millions of informal workers who form the backbone of Kenya’s economy but often operate outside formal systems of protection, recognition, and opportunity.
Our Mission
To organize, protect, and empower informal sector workers by strengthening their capacities, expanding access to opportunities, and advancing policies that promote dignity, inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods.
Our Vision
A transformed and inclusive informal economy where workers are recognized, protected, economically empowered, and fully integrated into Kenya’s national development agenda.
What We Do
We deliver skills development, policy advocacy, financial inclusion pathways, market access programs, legal empowerment, research, and strategic partnerships that strengthen informal sector resilience and growth.
Why It Matters
Over 80% of Kenya’s workforce operates in the informal economy. Despite their critical contribution to GDP, these workers face barriers in finance, social protection, regulation, and market access. ISWAK exists to bridge this gap and ensure inclusive economic justice.
“A Dignified Workforce Builds a Strong Nation.”
Our commitment is inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable transformation of livelihoods.
Our Commitment
ISWAK is committed to building a structured, inclusive, and resilient informal economy through collaboration with government, private sector actors, development partners, and grassroots communities to ensure no worker is left behind.
Our Impact in Numbers
Measuring real change across Kenya’s informal economy through empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable development.
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Workers Reached
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Trained & Certified
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SME's Supported
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Policy Wins Influenced