By Eddah Waithaka
The digitilization of work has emerged as a key aspect of the technology-driven transformation of the workplace, and in particular the growing importance of digital work platforms, characterized by jobs that are variously defined as digital, online, virtual and/or remote (platform jobs or work).
In Kenya, for example, the ever-increasing number of educated unemployed, the displacement of labour during the covid and post-covid era, and an economy in recession have put a significant strain on available opportunities, forcing many young talented graduates in particular into the digital/online economy.
This is according to a report on the changing nature of work, Unemployment and Digital Jobs Youth Perspectives, by the non-profit lobby group Siasa Place.
The lobby group will now work with lawmakers to address gaps in labour laws that they say have been overtaken by time, leaving hundreds of young people vulnerable to exploitation.
As the government continues to push for digitalization and online jobs, the new research shows that up to 92 per cent of Kenyans recognize the increased job opportunities that digitalization has brought.
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In sharp contrast, only 39 per cent of the population have actively engaged in digital jobs or even expressed an interest in exploring such income-generating opportunities.
The report offers a contrasting view to the government’s claim that Kenya’s youth are actively participating in digital jobs and earning a living from them.
“A lot of this work is brought into our country because they know that as easy as the work may seem, it is very difficult because of its simplicity and mundane nature,” said Siasa Place Executive Director Nerima Wako.
“A lot of them say they do a lot of research and a lot of online writing but we expected to hear things like coding, and they are not paid as much as if they were in the US or UK.”
As a result of the low wages, which have been likened to slavery, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji says he will submit a Digital Labour Bill to the National Assembly to provide a roadmap to protect Kenyan workers from exploitation.
MP Mukunji noted that the country is operating with outdated labour laws that are more than 17 years old and do not reflect the current needs of the labour market.
The lawmaker also accused the current union leadership of exploiting Kenyan youth working for international companies via BPOS.
“It is obvious that our unions, especially our big union, have been hijacked. Atwoli cannot be the person to lead the new workers and be able to negotiate with multinationals on labour issues in this country,” said MP Mukunji.
Labour stakeholders are now calling on the government to implement the theme of this year’s Labour Day, which calls for social justice and decent work for all.
This year’s Labour Day celebrations take place in the midst of an ongoing doctors’ strike which is now in its 49th day.
“Kenyans must realize the value of work, we spend about 75 per cent of our lives at the workplace and this cannot happen when you are exploited,” KMPDU National Deputy Chairperson Dr. Kahura Mundia noted.
