Nairobi summit charts course for Kenya’s digital workforce future
NAIROBI, KENYA — Stakeholders from diverse sectors convened at the University of Nairobi’s “Future of Work” summit to advocate for decent work opportunities and strategize how to leverage emerging digital trends.
The event, jointly organized by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), ICT Authority, and the Digital Transformation Centre (DTC), aimed to position Kenya’s workforce for success in an increasingly digital future.
With Kenya’s internet penetration rate at 85 percent, new opportunities in remote work, e-commerce, and online learning have emerged.
Washington Okoth, Secretary ICT in the Ministry of Information Communication and the Digital Economy, stressed the importance of policy support for innovation and job creation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Wanjiru Kariuki, Secretary Skills Development at the Ministry of Labour, emphasized the ongoing business process outsourcing (BPO), digital and green transitions, pointing to the upcoming national skills development policy aimed at anticipating and meeting future labor market needs.
Kenya recently launched digital hubs across the nation to dominate Africa’s BPO sector. This initiative, part of the Jitume project, aims to propel the country to the forefront of the digital economy.
HAPPENING NOW!!!!
The Future of Work Summit 2024 is on. Join us as we enter the second and final day of the Summit. (1/3)To follow this live event, click the link: https://t.co/W7FpR6stpy#FutureOfWorkSummit#kepsandfutureofwork#GlobalCompetitiveness pic.twitter.com/dOCFZc7HnZ
— KEPSA KENYA (@KEPSA_KENYA) March 15, 2024
The summit also addressed the vital role of nurturing talent for the global market, particularly through the gig economy, and the potential of initiatives like the Kenya Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (K-YEEAP) to generate millions of decent jobs.
Prof. Justus Munyoki, Director of Research, Innovation and Enterprise at the University of Nairobi, urged universities to equip the next generation with adaptability and skills for a dynamic global economy.
With an expected 80% increase in its youth population, Africa faces the challenge of addressing high unemployment rates and creating substantial opportunities for its young workforce.
