On 8^th of November 2024, The Kenya Private Sector Alliance, took part in the Convening of the Future of Work & Wealth Creation Summit 2024, hosted by the Africa Transition Hub at the Daystar University. The convening under the theme: ‘The nexus between AI and the Future of Work’ brought together different stakeholders including The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Kenya, Honourable E.G.H, Kipchumba Murkomen, different industry partners and executives, policy makers and young people from different learning institutions. The event aimed to bring stakeholders who are directly involved in the graduate’s transition phase, from education to employment and enterprise to discuss and accelerate synergies that will better support and prepare potential graduates for the future of work.

With Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshaping industries, transforming the nature of work, and redefining the skills required for the future, this convening aimed to explore the nexus of AI and the future of work, emphasizing its impact on jobs, the evolving role of graduates in Africa, and how the current and future workforce can effectively prepare for this inevitable shift. The need for collaboration is vital and a strong partnership between industry, government, Private Sector and academia will ensure that the skills taught in institutions of higher learning align with needs of the market and graduates are able to gain practical experience with AI technologies. Intentionally preparing graduates and the future workforce, this ensures a smooth transition into a future where AI is not a threat but a tool that we will leverage to enhance human potential and business success.

Some of the organizations present at the convening included; National Employment Authority, BasiGO, Rocket Jobs, Estonian Centre for International Development, Zizi Afrique, SHOFCO, Institute of Human Resource Management among many others.

While giving his key remarks, Honourable E.G.H Kipchumba Murkomen, the Cabinet Secretary Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, highlighted the transformative impact of technology on the workforce, particularly emphasizing the role of AI, data analytics, and automation in reshaping industries. This shift is not only altering job structures but also changing the required skill sets and opening new opportunities. Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen additionally stressed on the need to prepare youth to become solution providers rather than job seekers, encouraging them to focus on problem-solving and innovation to create employment rather than solely seeking it.

‘The government is committed to equipping youth with the skills they need to thrive in a future shaped by emerging technologies. However, to truly harness these opportunities, we must pair technical skills with a positive mindset and values that technology alone, like AI, cannot impart. We envision a Kenya where AI solutions tackle our unique challenges; from agriculture to healthcare, empowering young Kenyans to lead as global innovators. This conversation is centred on three key strategies: dialogue, collaboration, and co-creation. We should continue advocating for open intergenerational conversations among youth, government, private sector, and NGOs to address systemic challenges that are currently affecting us as a country in terms of youth employment and the future of work,’ He said.

Representing the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Gracemary Muchiri, the Ajira Digital Manager, discussed the importance of skilling and reskilling in light of rapid technological changes, especially within the context of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. She emphasized the private sector’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce that meets current market demands, enabling Kenyan youth to remain competitive globally, highlighting projects such as the Ajira Digital Program implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Digital Economy and Mastercard Foundation, and the Digital Skills & Employment Advancement program in partnership with Microsoft, that have a mandate to skill Kenyan Youth and the workforce on digital skills, including Artificial Intelligence.

‘As KEPSA we are committed to being the bridge connecting skilled youth and employment opportunities, collaborating with various platforms to enhance job placements. We continue to encouraged young people to explore digital skills as pathways for employment or entrepreneurship. Our mission as KEPSA is to support a youth-driven economic growth in Kenya, and these can be seen through the various programs that we run with other development partners that prepare young people with in-demand digital skills that will future proof them’

Also speaking during the event was Ms. Edith Okoki, Director General at the National Employment Authority, emphasized the transformative impact of AI on the workforce while also pointing out that while AI will automate many routine jobs, it also highlights the value of uniquely human skills—such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence—which AI cannot replicate.’ I urge educators to foster curiosity, employers to support ethical and innovative environments, and policymakers to craft inclusive policies that safeguard and empower workers. All stakeholders should embrace AI-driven changes with a vision of collaboration between human potential and AI to solve global challenges, creating a future built on purpose and integrity,’ she said

Africa Transition Hub, CEO Jeffrey Ferezy centred on the transformative impact of AI and technology on the job landscape, highlighting the urgent need for skills development, especially among young people. He underscored the speed at which AI-driven decision-making, data analytics, and automation are reshaping both job roles and required skills. ‘Our focus should be on empowering young individuals to build confidence and see themselves as solution providers rather than merely job seekers. These dialogues aim to address market demands and align them with youth training. Research on job market demands and graduate placement is important to help inform these initiatives,’ said Jeffrey.

The event also had different speakers from diverse sectors highlighting on how AI was reshaping those sectors and also engaging panel sessions and Fire side chats that covered different topics around ‘Preparing Today’s Graduates for Tomorrows Careers’ and Fostering entrepreneurship and wealth creation in an AI driven economy’. These discussions gave practical case studies and examples on how the youth and businesses could benefit from embracing Artificial Intelligence.

The Future of Work & Wealth Creation Summit 2024 provided a crucial platform for diverse stakeholders to collaboratively explore the profound impacts of AI on Kenya’s workforce. With AI reshaping industries and redefining essential skills, the event highlighted the shared responsibility of government, private sector, and academia in fostering a workforce that is both technically skilled and adaptable. As Kenya navigates this transformative era, the summit reinforced a vision of AI as a tool to enhance human potential and catalyse economic growth, positioning young Kenyans to lead as innovators in a future where technology and human talent work in harmony