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KEPSA PARTICIPATES IN THE STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOP ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL BPO POLICY
- Published On: 2024-11-19
KEPSA CEO Ms. Carole Kariuki on 19th November 2024 delivered a keynote address during the stakeholder engagement workshop on the development of the National Policy on Business Process Outsourcing in Nairobi. The event hosted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the State Department for Labor and Skills Development aims to develop the National Business Process Outsourcing policy with a view of promoting Kenya as a leader in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry for economic growth and socio-economic transformation.
The forum hosted several key government and industry leaders. Notable figures present included Roslyn Maundu the Chairperson; BPO Association of Kenya, Dr. Wanjiru Kariuki, Secretary/Skills Development, State Department for Labor and Skills Development. Also, in attendance were representatives from the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, and the State Department for Industry.
Ms. Carole Kariuki started by acknowledging the potential of the BPO sector, especially as an essential tool for businesses worldwide, and also its role in creating employment opportunities for the youth in Kenya while addressing the role of KEPSA in the formation of the Business Process Outsourcing Association of Kenya (BPOAK) and also hosting the first BPO executives’ roundtable with over 100 BPO industry leaders and key stakeholders represented. “We have been at the forefront of collaborating with BPOs to foster growth and innovation. For instance, through the Ajira Digital Program, KEPSA partnered with Adept Technology to digitize government operations, including the Judiciary Pilot Project. This initiative supported 482 court stations, producing 253,742 transcripts and creating 2,608 direct jobs”
On the role of KEPSA in the BPO sector, Ms. Carole Kariuki stated, “As an umbrella organization, KEPSA plays a critical role in coordinating efforts across the BPO ecosystem. This includes providing strategic policy advocacy support to create a more enabling environment, convening stakeholders to foster innovation, and positioning Kenya as a leading destination for trade and investment. KEPSA’s advocacy has already yielded results, such as amendments to the Employment Act to protect workers' rights, which are vital in maintaining a fair and competitive industry.”
On the way forward in addressing key challenges in the BPO sector, she suggested, prioritizing skills development, fostering a culture of outsourcing within our own borders, embracing innovation, and building a strong and cohesive BPO brand for Kenya. The CEO reiterated the private sector's commitment to supporting the government in developing The National BPO Policy.
Dr. Wanjiru Kariuki, Secretary/Skills Development, State Department for Labor and Skills Development while addressing the importance of the policy stated, “The goal of this policy is to position Kenya as a global leader in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector. This requires strategic efforts to upskill the youth with BPO-specific skills. It is encouraging to see collaboration between the public and private sectors in supporting this vision. By learning from successful BPO hubs like India and the Philippines, Kenya aims to thrive in this industry”
Roselyn Maundu the Chairperson; BPO Association of Kenya, started by reflecting on the journey of the sector in Kenya and the role of business membership associations in creating an enabling ecosystem for this industry to thrive. On the role of the BPO sector in addressing joblessness, she stated, “With 75% of Kenya's population aged 18-35, representing about 2 million youth, unemployment remains a critical challenge. This lack of work has led to significant mental and physical health issues among the youth. To address this, we must position Kenya as a destination for jobs. This requires deliberate efforts to attract the right opportunities, foster global competitiveness, and ensure we take our rightful place as a leader in the business ecosystem”
To access a copy of the National Policy on Business Process Outsourcing, click here.