Perceptions of Craftsmen and Apprentices Regarding Self-employment Skill Acquisition in the Kenyan Informal Sector

In recent years, the Government of Kenya has embarked on a new economic development strategy which emphasizes job creation in the informal sector through self-employment and apprenticeship training (Republic of Kenya, 1986). Informal apprenticeship training takes place at ordinary workplaces in the informal sector and makes production tasks part of the instruction as a means for acquiring technical skills (Bas, 1988). Craftsmen demonstrate the desired quality of performance for apprentices and then serve as coaches while apprentices complete the same tasks. Apprentices learn the correct actions and procedures by observing and then assisting craftsmen in providing products or services that are sold to customers. Performing these tasks enables apprentices to acquire the skills and knowledge of their trade (King, 1987). Apprentices may also acquire self-employment skills and knowledge of business practices through the same process of observation and participation (McLaughlin, 1990). However, this process is more indirect and depends on the craftsmen's willingness to involve apprentices in the business aspects of operating businesses (e.g., ordering materials, supervising other workers, and interacting directly with customers) (Allen, 1977; King, 1989). According to