In an effort to bridge the skills gap in the retail sector, local supermarket chain Naivas has graduated the first cohort of its trainees.
Since 2023, the retailer committed to training fresh graduates through its intensive nine-month Graduate Trainee (GT) Programme as it looks to retain its talent.
Kenya's labor market has been grappling with a significant skill gap mismatch, posing a challenge to both job seekers and employers.
As the country strives towards economic growth and development, the disparity between the skills possessed by the workforce and those demanded by industries remains a critical issue.
The programme is aimed at upskilling fresh graduates with competencies in various business functions within retail.
This initiative aims to equip young professionals with the skills needed to excel in various functions within the retail sector.
According to Naivas Chief of Strategy Andreas von Paleske the retail industry, contributing nine per cent to Kenya's GDP, plays a pivotal role in the country's economy, yet from a career perspective, it has in many instances been looked at as a fallback plan.
“Naivas aims to attract and retain top talent in the country. Creating clear career paths for our employees is vital, which led to the establishment of the Naivas Retail Academy, with the GT program as a key component,”
“Today, we celebrate the first graduation of this program, welcoming 35 trainees as Naivas employees. This milestone is just the beginning, and we plan to expand the program further, including partnerships with more learning institutions,” said von Paleske.
Historically, careers in retail have often been seen as secondary options. However, with innovations like the Foodmarket concept, Naivas says it is changing this perception.
“Our success is measured by our ability to transform the industry, and having the right people is central to this. As a homegrown Kenyan brand, developing the next generation of leaders is crucial. This program underscores our commitment to ensuring the longevity of the business beyond its founders,” said Naivas managing director David Kimani.