KEPSA under the Kenya Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (K-YEEAP) and Microsoft Philanthropies held a Roundtable on 25^th April 2023, with the objective to explore how the private sector can benefit from the Digital Skills and Employment Advancement Program that was initiated in partnership with Microsoft. The program is aimed at helping businesses access digital talent and opportunities for digital upskilling of their staff, which will enable them to stay relevant in the fast-evolving digital business landscape.

Under the theme: “Build On-Demand Skills to Equip the Employees of Tomorrow,” the program aims to evaluate the ecosystem’s roles and skills that are on demand for customers and partners and build training pathways based on the needs. The goal is to model a demand-driven program that is sustainable and can be upscaled over time and craft effective programs that are demand based and develop digital skills for job readiness.

KEPSA Board Chair, Flora Mutahi, expressed the Alliance’s commitment to bridging the unemployment gap and supporting young people. She reiterated that KEPSA would continue to explore new ways to achieve these goals. The Director, Ajira Digital and Youth Employment, at KEPSA, Dr Ehud Gachugu, in his remarks mentioned that the labour market is converging and therefore labour outsourcing is happening amidst harsh realities, and young people are the main players in this labour market.

Microsoft Philanthropies Lead, Sub Saharan Africa, Winnie Karanu mentioned that Technology is outpacing higher education. She noted that 4.3 million jobs could be left unfilled by 2030 due to a technology skills shortage. Microsoft Country General Manager, Phyllis Migwi, also reiterated that it is important to take an assessment of the skills that we have in our organizations and also take advantage of the skills that are not conventional, for the digital upskilling of staff.

An interactive panel discussion consisting of Ben Roberts, Group CTIO, Liquid Intelligent Technologies; Mabel Kibore, Human Resource Director, Kerry Kenya; Antony Karanja, Partner - Strategy, Planning and Digital Economy, Mastercard Foundation; Peter Kironji, CEO, TWIVA Carol Njuki, Officer-in-charge, ILO Kenya; and coordinated by Angela Waweru of Sister Speaks Global, discussed more on Business Case for Engaging young people in Business Value Chains.