Informal workers in Kenya and transnational organizing: Networking and leveraging resources

Abstract

This book chapter examines the influence of transnational networks on local working conditions for people in the informal economy by looking at the case of KENASVIT, a national civil society organisation in Kenya. KENASVIT was established with the support of the Institute for Development Studies of the University of Nairobi and transnational organisations including StreetNet and WIEGO. Membership of the organisation is formed by street vendors and informal traders. KENASVIT aims to organize and empower street vendors and informal traders, in order to improve their business through training, access to credit, dialogue with local authorities and other relevant organizations. It also aims to develop networks on national, regional, and international levels. While the article emphasizes the significance of transnational networks for local struggles, it argues that local engagement and capacity building is the key to sustainable organizing.