Kenya aims for 1 million digital jobs through BPO expansion

TATU CITY, KENYA — President William Ruto recently outlined the government’s commitment to significantly expand the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector as a key strategy for job creation in Kenya.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to implement new laws and policies designed to spur growth in IT-enabled services across the nation.
Enhancing IT and BPO capabilities
President Ruto detailed plans to enhance the country’s competitiveness by aligning with global standards. This will accelerate the growth of the BPO market and other IT-enabled services.
The government aims to scale up investments in critical infrastructure, including national broadband and digital hubs, with the ambitious goal of creating employment for at least one million digital workers over the next five years.
“We are determined to claim our fair share of the BPO pie for the benefit of our young men and women, who are eager to contribute to growing our economy,” President Ruto stated during the inauguration of the CCI Global Contact Centre at Tatu City in Ruiru, Kiambu County.
This center has already generated more than 5,000 jobs, showcasing the potential for significant employment growth within the sector.
Legislative and policy enhancements
To facilitate these developments, the President emphasized that the government is focused on strengthening existing laws to foster a conducive environment for the ICT-BPO industry.
“Our goal is to develop sector-specific legislation that aligns with international standards in the short, medium, and long term,” Ruto explained.
This includes enforcing BPO standards that meet international best practices, updating fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to keep pace with technological advancements, and investing in green energy.
Collaboration and training initiatives
The government is also enhancing partnerships with the private sector to provide advanced skills training for Kenyan youth, ensuring they are well-prepared for future job opportunities.
“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to fostering a thriving, sustainable, and globally competitive BPO sector in Kenya,” President Ruto added.
He concluded by appealing to investors to collaborate with the government in its digital hubs program to ensure the success and expansion of BPO operations in the country.
Present at the event were notable figures, including Cabinet Secretaries Rebecca Miano and Eliud Owalo, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, and United States Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, highlighting the high-level support for the initiative.