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Challenging the formality bias: The organization of informal work, working relations, and collective agency in Kenya and Tanzania

Author

Listed:
  • Lone Riisgaard
  • Nina Torm
  • Godbertha Kinyondo
  • Winnie Mitullah
  • Anne Kamau
  • Aloyce Gervas
  • Raphael Indimuli

Abstract

Motivation Formal social protection systems, such as health insurance and representation, are often biased in favour of formal workers, thereby excluding most of the world's working population who make a living in the informal economy. Purpose The article extends existing critiques of formality bias by investigating the reality of work for people in the informal economy in Kenya and Tanzania and analysing related social protection challenges. Specifically, we look at: (1) the governance of work; (2) the organization of work relations; and (3) collective agency. In terms of social protection, we focus on formal and informal forms of social insurance and representation. Methods and approach We draw on interview and survey data from people working in micro trading, transport, and construction in Nairobi and Kisumu in Kenya, and Dar es Salaam and Dodoma in Tanzania. A total of 1,462 workers were surveyed and 24 focus group discussions were held with such workers. Interviews were conducted with 120 key informants: leaders and members of informal workers' associations in the three sectors, as well as representatives of authorities, trade unions, and business associations. Data were collected from June 2018 to December 2019. Findings Formal social insurance and representation do not fit the real experience of most people working in the informal economy. They have been modelled on and designed to support workers in formal standard employment relations. At the same time, informal workers' associations play important roles in meeting—albeit inadequately—the social insurance and representational needs of their members. Policy implications Meaningful engagement with the reality of work and collective agency in the informal economy is necessary to inform more appropriate policies and measures to provide informal workers with appropriate social protection measures, particularly social insurance and representation. Their reality should not have to conform to an inadequate model; rather, the model should fit their reality.

Suggested Citation

  • Lone Riisgaard & Nina Torm & Godbertha Kinyondo & Winnie Mitullah & Anne Kamau & Aloyce Gervas & Raphael Indimuli, 2024. "Challenging the formality bias: The organization of informal work, working relations, and collective agency in Kenya and Tanzania," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 42(1), January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devpol:v:42:y:2024:i:1:n:e12729
    DOI: 10.1111/dpr.12729
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nina Torm, 2023. "Informal Worker Access to Formal Social Protection in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Kenya and Tanzania," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 59(10), pages 1570-1588, October.
    2. Mitullah, Winnie V. & Njeri Wachira, Isabella., 2003. "Informal labour in the construction industry in Kenya a case study of Nairobi," ILO Working Papers 995164748402676, International Labour Organization.
    3. Roosa Lambin & Milla Nyyssölä, 2022. "Exploring social policy trajectories in Mainland Tanzania: Driving for gender-inclusive development?," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2022-38, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    4. repec:ilo:ilowps:486930 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Amrita Chhachhi & Jan Breman & Marcel Linden, 2014. "Informalizing the Economy: The Return of the Social Question at a Global Level," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 45(5), pages 920-940, September.
    6. Muinde, Jacinta Victoria S. & Prince, Ruth Jane, 2023. "A new universalism? Universal health coverage and debates about rights, solidarity and inequality in Kenya," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 319(C).
    7. Jill Wells, 2007. "Informality in the construction sector in developing countries," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(1), pages 87-93.
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    10. Rizzo, Matteo, 2017. "Taken For A Ride: Grounding Neoliberalism, Precarious Labour, and Public Transport in an African Metropolis," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198794240.
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