On 11^th March 2025, The Kenya Private Sector Alliance, through the Ajira digital program, took part in the Innovate Kenya Tech Summit 2025 designed to showcase the latest technological advancements and their potential to drive socioeconomic development in Kenya. The event under the theme; Innovation for Socio economic Development brought together technology leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors to showcase, discuss, collaborate, and explore opportunities for leveraging technology to address pressing challenges and create new economic opportunities.

Kenya faces a pressing unemployment challenge, with a high youth unemployment rate and over 1 million new job seekers entering the market annually. Technology offers a powerful solution to create jobs, upskill workers, and unlock economic opportunities in a digital age. KEPSA through the Youth and Jobs’ Digital and creative Economy intervention, addresses this by nurturing a vibrant digital ecosystem by creating digital jobs, promoting literacy, empowering platforms for youth opportunities, and fostering innovation-driven employment, while also supporting creative industries through access to tools, training, and cultural exchange for sustainable growth.

While setting the tone for the panel session titled; Tech for Jobs: Creating new jobs and economic opportunities through technology, Mary Kerema, the Secretary ICT, E-Government emphasized on recognizing the power of technology-driven job opportunities in transforming lives. ‘Businesses must leverage tech solutions to create adaptable work environments, encourage continuous learning, and use collaborative digital tools for workforce engagement. Additionally, transforming job markets requires sustainable job creation, stronger digital infrastructure, and support for the gig economy and remote work,’ She said.

Speaking in the same panel, Ms Gracemary Muchiri, Ajira Digital Manager at KEPSA spoke on the crucial role KEPSA plays in driving economic growth and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive. She noted on the rapid changes in business landscapes and market demands, and how companies must expand their scope and embrace digital transformation. ‘Start-ups and SMEs, in particular, must think towards digitization. Medium and large corporations must compete globally by investing in talent, embracing emerging technologies like AI, and ensuring workforce readiness. Expanding international job access requires strong partnerships between businesses, governments, and institutions. Through KEPSA’s work with BPOs and other industry leaders, we continue to ensure that Kenyan professionals are equipped with world-class skills and are positioned for success in both local and international job markets,’ she said.

On how technology can be harnessed to Create new jobs and economic opportunities, these were some of the issues that were brought up in the panel;

1. Essential Skills for Tech Jobs- To succeed in the digital economy, young people must acquire skills that are in high demand as businesses and industries continue to embrace technology.
2. Critical Infrastructure for Tech Growth- strong infrastructure and Reliable connectivity is crucial for sustainable digital jobs, requiring innovative approaches to ensure accessibility.
3. Sectors with Emerging Tech Job Opportunities- Agriculture, health tech, and manufacturing are the most rapidly evolving through digital solutions, creating new career pathways.
4. Role of Public-Private Partnerships- Businesses, governments, and educational institutions must work together to create a supportive ecosystem that promotes digital employment.
5. Policies to Encourage Tech for Jobs- Government policies should prioritize investments in STEM and technology education to build a workforce capable of meeting industry needs.

• Startups, industries, and BPOs require incentives to scale their operations and create more digital jobs. Adequate funding for research and innovation will also support the development of local solutions that can compete globally.
• Policies on cybersecurity, data privacy, and fair labor practices must be strengthened to protect digital workers and ensure a secure working environment.
• Encouraging BPO expansion in rural areas will further create job opportunities and support sustainable economic growth in underserved regions.