Kenyan Government Commits to Closing Labor Law Gaps for Digital Job Growth
The Kenyan government has pledged to bridge the gaps in labor laws to create more job opportunities in the digital sector. Juma Mukhawana, the Permanent Secretary of the State Department for Industrialization, acknowledged the current shortcomings of Kenyan labor laws in reflecting the ongoing digital economy transformation.
During a visit to Sama in Nairobi, Mukhawana stated, To fully harness Kenya’s potential, the Government acknowledges the need to identify and address challenges that currently inhibit the creation of jobs within the digital sector. The plan is to work with the industry to create an enabling environment for businesses operating in the digital economy.
The global business process outsourcing (BPO) market, valued at over $262 billion, presents a significant opportunity for African countries to emerge as growth frontiers in the BPO sector. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems for various industries, including automotive, retail, agricultural, and food technology sectors, heavily relies on the BPO sector.
Lilian Kiplang’at, the Director of Global Service Delivery at Sama, emphasized the role of the digital economy in job creation and economic advancement in Kenya. At Sama, with the right operating environment, we have the potential to create thousands of jobs by 2024, she said. Kiplang’at also expressed their willingness to collaborate with the government to develop progressive policies that foster a conducive business environment for the digital economy, ensuring competitiveness on a global scale.
Sama, which has been operating in Kenya for the past 15 years, provides employment opportunities through value chain AI solutions. These solutions contribute to various sectors, including self-driving cars, virtual reality gaming consoles, fashion segmentation, and crop disease protection in agriculture.
The government’s commitment to address labor law gaps demonstrates its recognition of the importance of supporting digital job growth. By creating an enabling environment and implementing progressive policies, Kenya aims to leverage its potential in the digital sector and harness the benefits of the rapidly expanding digital economy. This initiative not only promises to generate employment opportunities but also positions Kenya as a competitive player on the global stage.
As Kenya continues its digital transformation journey, collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders is crucial to drive innovation, enhance skills development, and create a sustainable digital ecosystem for further job creation and economic progress. With the government’s dedication and support, the digital sector in Kenya is poised for significant growth and prosperity in the years to come.
