As the Principal Secretary for Labour, I have had the privilege of overseeing the development of Kenya’s National Strategy on Green Skills and Jobs.
This strategy represents a collective effort that aims to position Kenya at the forefront of the green economy, with the goal of creating sustainable employment opportunities while addressing our environmental challenges.
The path we are embarking on is not only about securing a cleaner, greener future for all Kenyans but also about unlocking significant potential for economic growth, especially for our youth.
Our approach is built on the recognition that the transition to a green economy is an urgent necessity—both for global environmental health and for our local economic resilience.
This is why the strategy places strong emphasis on the development of green skills that are aligned with emerging sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly technologies.
In line with our commitment under the Paris Agreement, our target is clear: reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32 per cent by 2030. This target drives the core of our strategy and guides our efforts towards building a green workforce capable of supporting this ambitious goal.
Kenya is not alone in pursuing a green economy; the international community has been moving in this direction for some time.
Europe, particularly through the European Union’s Green Deal, has set the stage for the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
The EU’s efforts to integrate green skills into its workforce have demonstrated the transformative impact of such policies.
The Green Deal has not only facilitated the creation of thousands of green jobs but has also contributed to the region’s energy transition.
Similarly, in the UK, the Green Jobs Taskforce aims to create up to 250,000 green jobs by 2030. This initiative focuses on key sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable construction, drawing parallels with Kenya’s own priorities.
We are also inspired by the experiences of countries like China and India. These nations have made significant strides in establishing green industries, driven by substantial investments in renewable energy and green technologies.
China’s aggressive push for clean energy, which includes becoming the world’s largest producer of solar panels, has not only addressed environmental concerns but has also generated millions of jobs in green sectors.
Similarly, India has created green employment opportunities through initiatives aimed at increasing renewable energy capacity and improving energy efficiency in buildings.
Kenya’s National Strategy on Green Skills and Jobs outlines a clear path forward. The strategy envisions a comprehensive approach where green skills development is integrated into our education and vocational training systems.
By partnering with industry leaders, we are ensuring that young people are trained in the skills required by emerging green sectors, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in a sustainable economy.
This will also support our commitment to enhancing youth employment, as green industries have the potential to absorb a large number of young workers into their growing sectors.
At the heart of this strategy is the creation of green enterprises, which are crucial for the growth of green jobs. By improving access to green finance and creating an enabling environment for green businesses, we can stimulate the development of enterprises that contribute to environmental sustainability while providing meaningful employment opportunities.
Through initiatives like carbon trading, sustainable agriculture and green construction, we are laying the foundation for a new wave of businesses that will provide long-term, sustainable jobs.
Furthermore, the strategy highlights the importance of fostering innovation and technology transfer. We must ensure our industries have access to cutting-edge technologies that can enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact.
The promotion of green research and development, coupled with knowledge transfer from international partners, will help build a competitive green economy that can position Kenya as a leader in Africa’s green transition.
Kenya’s demand-driven skills development model seeks not just to address unemployment but to produce a workforce capable of innovating and thriving in a global economy.
By positioning young people at the heart of its national growth strategy, the government is creating a blueprint for a resilient, future-oriented economy.
Kenya’s youth, now better equipped with skills and opportunities, stand ready to drive the nation forward, embodying the promise of a more prosperous Kenya.
To ensure sustainable employment for its youth, the government will leave no stone unturned in fostering industries that promote green jobs, technology-driven solutions and global partnerships, creating pathways for lasting economic prosperity.
As we move forward, the commitment of all stakeholders—government, industry and the youth—will be critical in ensuring the success of this strategy.
The green economy offers unprecedented opportunities to not only address environmental challenges but also to build a resilient, sustainable future for generations to come.
Our focus on green skills development and the creation of green jobs will help unlock the full potential of the green economy, benefiting the environment and the livelihoods of Kenyans.
This strategy, though still in its early stages, represents the start of a significant transformation. With a shared commitment from all sectors of society, we can turn the challenges of climate change into an opportunity for sustainable economic development, job creation and a greener future for all Kenyans.
It is through collaborative efforts, strong governance and
continued innovation that we will
achieve our goals and build a green
economy that leaves no one behind.
