Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura at KICC on December 9, 2024 / SCREENGRAB/ ISAAC MWAURA/ X
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has outlined the government's ongoing efforts to tackle unemployment and empower the youth.
This comes as part of the nation’s preparations for this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, set to be marked under the theme, "Jobs, Labour Migration, Entrepreneurship and Entertainment."
Mwaura reaffirmed Kenya's pride in its sovereignty, marking over 60 years of independence since breaking free from British colonial rule on December 12, 1963.
“The government remains steadfast in its commitment to actualizing the dream of independence by addressing key challenges such as diseases, illiteracy, and poverty, ” he stated.
As part of the celebrations, Mwaura said that the government is hosting the Jamhuri National Job Fair, which commenced on December 5 and runs until December 11, 2024, at KICC.
This event has brought together government ministries, private sector players, international recruitment agencies, educational institutions, and job seekers, creating a platform for networking and economic empowerment.
Mwaura emphasized the urgency of addressing youth unemployment, noting that over 75 per cent of Kenya's population is under 35 years old.
In response, the government is focused on three main strategies, creating jobs at home (Kazi kwa Ground), facilitating digital employment opportunities (Kazi Mtandaoni), and seeking work opportunities abroad (Kazi Majuu).
Local Job Creation Efforts
Mwaura said the government has set a target of creating 1.2 million jobs annually between 2023 and 2027.
This initiative will rely heavily on formalizing the informal sector and investing in critical infrastructure.
Mwaura highlighted that the manufacturing sector accounted for 7.6 per cent of GDP in 2023 and employed 363,000 citizens.
Additionally, Mwaura continued to state that agriculture has seen improvements through the subsidized fertilizer program, boosting food production and revitalizing all sugar factories, which now produce 84,000 metric tonnes of sugar-surpassing domestic demand.
In the revitalizing of the sugar factories, he also added that coffee exports are projected to grow significantly, translating to more job opportunities.
In education, Mwaura continued said recruitment of 76,000 teachers over two years for Sh37 billion aligns with The BETA Plan to bridge a teacher shortage that previously exceeded 116,000.
“The government has also been promoting job creation through the digital economy by connecting 149,000 Kenyans to online job platforms and training over 490,000 in digital skills,” stated Mwaura
“The launch of 274 digital hubs and plans for 1,450 additional hubs across all wards are expected to expand job access.”
Online and global opportunities
The push for Kazi Mtandaoni has been seen making significant progress, with investments in technology enabling more young people to work digitally.
Over 105,000 Kenyans have secured employment opportunities in countries including Canada, Australia, and Germany, with the National Employment Authority (NEA) listing over 560,000 job openings both locally and internationally.
In the Kazi Majuu initiative, the government is negotiating with nations like Russia, Poland, and Jordan to create more opportunities for Kenyan workers. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has already facilitated job placements for Kenyan teachers in 17 countries, marking a milestone in expanding labour mobility.
Reforms in the Coffee Sector
Mwaura went further to highlight that the government has also focused on revitalizing the coffee industry to empower farmers and strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading coffee producer.
Direct payments are now made to farmers via personal bank accounts or mobile wallets, ensuring efficiency and transparency.
Production costs have been lowered by capping cooperative service fees at 20 per cent of earnings. Cooperatives are mandated to digitize operations and maintain transparent records. Insurance is now mandatory for all coffee, with cooperatives responsible for ensuring coverage and addressing any lapses.
Flood Response Update
Mwaura also addressed the ongoing rains affecting the Lake Victoria Basin, South Rift Valley, southeastern lowlands, and the coast.
“These heavy rains have led to flooding challenges, especially in the Lake Basin. Currently, 14,898 people have been affected, with 2,441 households displaced and 10 injuries reported, “ said Mwaura.
While there have been no fatalities, significant damage to crops, infrastructure, and livestock has been noted.
He said that the UAE government has contributed Sh2 billion worth of aid to support the affected communities.
The government spokesperson concluded by saying that the Jamhuri National Job Fair stands as a testament to Kenya's commitment to creating sustainable job opportunities and driving economic empowerment.
“And as President William Ruto prepares to address attendees tonight, his message will reinforce the government's ongoing efforts outlined in The BETA Plan—a strategic roadmap aimed at ensuring a brighter future for Kenya's workforce," Mwaura said.