Kenya launches Nakuru BPO hub to boost youth jobs, digital economy
NAKURU, KENYA — The Kenyan government, in partnership with Nakuru County and private firm FOWL-QHALA Limited, is establishing a business process outsourcing (BPO) center to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
The hub will offer digital employment, skills training, and outsourcing services to global markets, capitalizing on Kenya’s young, tech-savvy workforce.
BPO center driving youth employment
According to Irene Karari, Director and Head of the Skills and Expertise Division of the State Department of Diaspora Affairs, the center will support international customers by hiring individuals in customer support, data processing, and back-office roles.
“Beyond offering employment opportunities, the center will serve as a vital skilling ground for individuals seeking to enter the remote work landscape and will also function as an innovation hub for entrepreneurs,” Karari said.
Kenya’s BPO target is to grow to $1.3 billion by 2027, making the initiative in line with programs that support online employment for the youth, such as Ajira Digital.
As well as hiring new staff, the center will train people in digital skills and entrepreneurship for work at home or in tech, AI, and software engineering fields.
Deputy Governor David Kones added that the project supports Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, aiming to make Nakuru a leader in digital innovation.
By leveraging Kenya’s diaspora remittances—the country’s top forex earner—the hub will also strengthen ties with markets in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
Public-private collaboration as key to BPO expansion
The Nakuru BPO hub also underscores the growing synergy between government and private investors to scale Kenya’s outsourcing industry.
FOWL-QHALA Limited, a key partner, will help link skilled workers, particularly in tech, to global employers, including a German firm under a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Karari highlighted Kenya’s advantages, making it a prime BPO hub for Africa which are:
- English-speaking workforce
- Relatively low labor costs
- Growing IT infrastructure
Kones stated that the business center will enhance company operations and foster innovation.
The growing need for remittances and challenges with youth unemployment can be solved by BPO, which helps workers financially and also gives Kenya a boost in the digital world.
