State champions BPO growth and youth employment initiatives

Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime has championed for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) to enhance Kenya's economic landscape.

 

In a meeting with SAMA company Chief Executive Office Wendy Gonzalez and other organizational leaders, the PS said the sector can expand employment opportunities for the nation’s youth.

 

During the discussions, they identified several strategic priorities designed to position Kenya as a global frontrunner in digital work. 

 

A primary emphasis was placed on establishing a business-friendly BPO environment that would attract both domestic and international investments. The initiative is anticipated to not only elevate the country’s standing in the digital arena but also generate numerous job opportunities for young professionals.

 

Acknowledging the significance of inclusive growth, the meeting underscored the necessity for skills development programs tailored to equip the youth with the essential competencies to excel in the evolving job market. 

 

“Expanding job opportunities for young professionals is crucial to ensure that our economic growth is inclusive and sustainable,” PS Mwadime stated.

 

The discussions also highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships in driving digital transformation.

 

By collaborating with private sector entities like SAMA, the government aims to implement workforce training and upskilling programs that will prepare Kenyans for the demands of a rapidly changing digital economy.

Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the importance of leveraging Kenya’s burgeoning digital economy to foster sustainable, high-value employment. With the rise of AI-driven data solutions, there exists a significant opportunity for the country to establish itself as a hub for innovation and technology, he said.

 

Sama has expressed its commitment to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to unlock Kenya’s full potential in the BPO sector. 

 

“We are dedicated to ensuring equitable access to digital jobs and promoting economic growth,” Gonzalez said.

 

In a separate forum in Mombasa, PS Mwadime briefed members of the Departmental Committee on Labour regarding the Nyota Project, which focuses on policies and strategies aimed at creating employment opportunities for the youth.

 

The Nyota Project is a five-year initiative funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Kenyan government. Its primary objective is to enhance the livelihoods of Kenyan youth through a variety of interventions.

 

The project specifically targets 820,000 vulnerable youth across the country, including refugee youth residing in Garissa and Turkana Counties. Eligible participants are aged between 18 and 29 years, with an extension to 35 years for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

 

The program is designed for individuals with a maximum educational attainment of Form Four who are either unemployed, underemployed, or engaged in low-tier employment.

 

The three-day workshop was inaugurated and chaired by Eric Muchangi Karemba who is the Member of Parliament for Runyenjes.