The need for collaboration between government, private sector, academia and other stakeholders is necessary to help Kenya’s economy shift to a more digitally driven one.

Stakeholders in the ICT sector have met to try to unlock Kenya’s potential as a global hub for digital work and its prospects to export ICT skills. They are also assessing the emerging trends and opportunities in the future of work.

This has been the prevailing theme at a weekend summit, held in the capital, Nairobi, under the theme, “Re-imagining jobs for Africa in a disrupted labour market for global competitiveness”.

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), ICT Authority and the Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) collaborated for the summit.

John Tanui, principal secretary of the Department of ICT and Digital Economy indicated that the internet penetration rate in Kenya stands at 85%, with this increased connectivity opening up new opportunities for remote work, e-commerce and online learning, which are critical components of the future of work.

He said the future of work requires a conducive policy environment that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

“As a government, we are committed to creating such an environment and collaborating with the private sector, academia and other stakeholders to create work opportunities and address the challenges before us,” said Tanui.

He added that the government is aligned with the global trend towards digitalisation, and intentional in positioning Kenya as a leader in the digital economy.

According to KEPSA, currently, 2.4 million Kenyans are engaged in online work, underscoring the importance of embracing new opportunities and global perspectives.

The alliance believes to thrive in this changing landscape, workers must acquire the right skills and existing jobs will require upskilling and reskilling to remain relevant in the face of evolving job requirements.

“The future of work in Kenya is linked to the digital economy, embracing this shift opens up avenues for young people to access digital job opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of our country,” said Mutheru Kasanga, KEPSA’s director: Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and ICT.

KEPSA’s Kenya Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (K-YEEAP) aims to generate at least five million sustainable jobs, supporting small businesses and startups.

Wanjiru Kariuki, secretary of Skills Development at the Ministry of Labour, said with cognisance of different shifts, including digital transformation and transition to green jobs, in December last year Cabinet approved the National Skills Development Policy. The policy is to be launched in April.

“It has great features, focussing on the rapidly changing labour markets,” Kasanga said.