The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA, ICT Authority, and the Digital Transformation Centre (DTC), a project by GIZ on behalf of the German government, is jointly hosting the Future of Work Summit from today 14th March to Friday 15^th March 2024 the University of Nairobi. The Summit under the theme “Re-imagining jobs for Africa in a disrupted labour market for global competitiveness” aims to critically analyse the current status of work and the workforce with a strategic lens on how both the labour market and employers can position themselves to benefit in the future of work.

The Summit is an all-inclusive event that has brought together young people, private and public sector, innovators and entrepreneurs, tech-mind, and other thought leaders and key players in the growth of decent work for Kenyans and encouraging these stakeholders to rethink, strategise, and leverage the emerging trends for the future of work.

Gracing the occasion was Hon. Eng. John Tanui, Principal Secretary, State Department of ICT and Digital Economy who was represented by Washington Okoth, ICT Secretary Infrastructure in the Ministry of Information Communication and the Digital Economy. Also present was Dr. Wanjiru Kariuki, Secretary Skills Development of Labour; Mutheru Kasanga, the KEPSA Director Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and ICT; Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Global Director, Youth and Jobs at KEPSA; Harrison Ngatia, Head of SME at KEPSA; Prof. Justus Munyoki, Director Research, Innovation and Enterprise at the University of Nairobi; Caroline Njuki, Country Director, International Labour Organisation (ILO); Bodo Immink, Country Director, GIZ Kenya; Muchemi Wambugu, Resident Digital Economy, Mastercard Foundation among others.

With the combination of macro and micro factors including the war in Ukraine, inflations, climate change and the need for sustainability strategies, digital technology transformation, inclusivity, and other social needs, there are shifts in the future of work. These disruptions have propelled enterprises and employers to adopt strategies that will ensure business continuity as well as productive and stable employment relations. The most affected facet of the business by this shift is Human Capital calling for change and adaptation by businesses to invest in upskilling and reskilling its workforce.

A speech by Hon. Tanui which was read by Mr. Okoth, indicated that the internet penetration rate in Kenya stands at 85%, up from 54%. This increased connectivity has opened up new opportunities for remote work, e-commerce, and online learning, which are critical components of the future of work. Tanui emphasized that 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 digitalization, and intentional in positioning Kenya as a leader in the digital economy.

Additionally, Dr. Wanjiru explained how close to one million young people are graduating from institutions of higher learning and joining the labour market every year, a number that does not equate to the work opportunities available. She highlighted the different shifts already happening including digital transformation, and transition to green jobs from brown jobs, and the business process outsourcing among others. She said that with these shifts the Ministry has policy and institutional reforms on future jobs including the national skills development policy that was approved by the cabinet on 13^th December 2023 that promotes sustainable social economic growth through the development of a skilled workforce that is employable, productive, enterprising, adaptable and competitive. This policy will be launched next month and has great features focusing on the rapidly changing labour markets. Also, the policy has addressed skills anticipation that helps forecast on labour market's landscape in the future.

Today, the Summit covered engaging topics from unlocking Kenya’s potential as a global hub for digital work and its potential to export ICT skills; to the emerging trends and opportunities in the Future of Work in a globally competitive business environment, gender and social inclusion in the future of work, among others. The different experts in the industry raised compelling insights urging employees to consider the requirements of the future markets including having cross-cutting and transversal skills as employers are currently looking for labour that can offer diverse tasks. There was also an emphasis on embracing soft skills as it is what will keep employees relevant in the future of work. Businesses present were also advised to adhere to gender and social inclusivity policies and should review their internal policies to ensure that they comply with global standards that will give them a competitive edge.

“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. KEPSA has been at the forefront of promoting youth employment through initiatives like K-YEEAP. The Kenya Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (K-YEEAP) aims to generate at least five million decent and sustainable jobs, supporting small businesses and startups. By facilitating job linkage platforms, skills development, and policy advocacy, KEPSA is actively working towards creating an enabling environment for youth empowerment.” said Mutheu. She added that the Summit is a call to embrace change, to embrace innovation, and to embrace collaboration. It is a call to harness the collective wisdom and expertise of all stakeholders, from the boardroom to the classroom, from the government to the grassroots, to forge a future of work that is not just sustainable, but transformative.

Speaking at the Summit was also Dr. Ehud Gachugu, Global Director, Youth and Jobs at KEPSA who called upon all stakeholders to take advantage of the Summit as it is a platform to strategically think about the partnerships and investments that will spur growth and drive common agenda of creating sufficient economic and employment opportunities for young people. He said that Africa expects an 80% increase in its youth population, highlighting the pressing need to address youth unemployment rates and create meaningful opportunities for young people.

Bodo Immink, the Country Director of GIZ highlighted that in today’s connected world, it is necessary to think beyond our national borders and therefore nurture talent that can serve the rest of the world. Immink pointed out that one way to access the world is through the gig economy as it helps unlock potential work opportunities. He said that GIZ takes such conversations on the future of work and the topic of labour migration seriously and the reason it has put efforts into the gig economy initiative together with Kenya partners as technology continues to shape the future of work. GIZ has so far managed to reach around 6000 gig workers through the initiative.

Welcoming the participants to the venue where the Summit is taking place, Prof. Stephen Kiama, the Vice Chancellor University of Nairobi, in his remarks read by Prof. Justus Munyoki, Director of Research, Innovation and Enterprise, stated that universities can play a crucial role in the space of future of work as these institutions are the cornerstone of the future workforce. He expounded stating that the universities equip the next generation with the adaptability and skills they need for a dynamic global economy. He urged the participants to embrace collaboration among academia, government, and industry which will help the young people to be competently equipped for the changing job market.

The nature of work continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and changing workforce demographics, and our economic engine relies on businesses that are adaptable and future-proof. The concept of reimagined jobs is gaining traction, reflecting the shifting dynamics of the modern workplace. Currently, 2.4 million Kenyans are engaged in online work, underscoring the importance of embracing new opportunities and global perspectives. To thrive in this changing landscape, workers must acquire the right skills and mindset. Existing jobs will require upskilling and reskilling to remain relevant in the face of evolving job requirements. This Summit serves as a pivotal platform at the national level for the formulation of policies aimed at addressing these challenges and preparing the workforce for the future.