Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has outlined the government’s comprehensive strategy to create job opportunities through a multifaceted approach that aims to address both local and global employment needs.
Speaking at the closing of the Jamhuri National Job Fair at the COMESA Grounds in Nairobi, Kindiki described the job creation strategy as a “three-legged stool,” comprising of Kazi kwa Ground (local jobs), Kazi Majuu (overseas employment), and Kazi Mtandaoni (online jobs).
This approach, according to Kindiki, ensures that jobs are created locally while simultaneously fostering opportunities in the international market and through digital platforms.
“To meet our aspirations, we recognize the need to structure our training curricula to meet both the local demand for skilled professionals and the international market through labor mobility,” Kindiki stated.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to vocational and technical education as a core strategic agenda, enabling youth to not only secure employment but thrive in a globally competitive market.
In support of this, the Deputy President highlighted the successful implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative.
Over 6,000 skilled workers have been certified under the RPL framework, which ensures that individuals without formal training are recognized and issued with certificates by government-accredited institutions. Additionally, 6,170 coxwains have been trained in the past two years, further bolstering the skilled workforce.
Kindiki also provided insights into the government’s progress in fulfilling its job creation promises. In less than two years, the Kenya Kwanza Administration has recruited and deployed 76,000 teachers, and thousands of youths have been absorbed into security agencies.
Furthermore, the establishment of 272 ICT hubs across Kenya is providing a platform for digital job opportunities, including content creation and software development. The plan is to expand this initiative to 1,450 ICT hubs, with one in every ward.
The Deputy President also highlighted the government’s support for industrial-based attachments, which has led to the training of farmhands and farm managers, as well as the creation of a certified pool of masons, plumbers, and carpenters through the Affordable Housing Programme.
These efforts are further supported by the Climate Works project, which aims to create sustainable livelihoods in the green economy.
During the event, Kindiki officially launched the Global Labour Market Strategy and the National Strategy on Skills for Labour Mobility, which includes the Kenya-Qatar labour mobility programme.
The first cohort of 300 Kenyan workers heading to Qatar was flagged off at the ceremony, with a total of 8,000 Kenyans set to benefit from the program.
The event was attended by Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Dr. Alfred Mutua, Principal Secretaries Shadrack Mwadime (Labour), Roseline Njogu (Diaspora Affairs), and Dr. Esther Muoria (Technical, Vocational Education and Training), along with diplomats and senior government officials.
