By Eddah Waithaka
In a press briefing today, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura unveiled key details about this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, which will take place at Uhuru Gardens under the dynamic theme of ‘Jobs, Labour Migration, Entrepreneurship and Entertainment.’ As part of the festivities, the government is proudly hosting the Jamhuri National Job Fair, which commenced on December 5th and will continue until Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
This event aims to connect job seekers with potential employers, fostering opportunities in a variety of sectors and highlighting the government’s commitment to economic growth and job creation.
This job fair, has brought together various stakeholders, including government
ministries, the private sector players, international recruitment agencies,
educational institutions, and job seekers. All these concerted efforts are a means
to celebrate the gains towards liberation from endemic poverty; through job
creation and economic empowerment.
“This unique way of celebrating our independence, presents innovative avenues for networking and connecting job seekers to employers and entrepreneurs. The Job Fair, therefore, reflects the Government’s commitment to economic empowerment, youth employment, and sustainable job creation through innovative avenues,” said Mwaura.
“The country stares at youth unemployment, with over 75% of the population under 35 years. Due to this, there is an increasing need to explore diverse avenues for employment that is why we are intentional about creating jobs at home (Kazi kwa ground) in the manufacturing sector, housing sector, the creative economy among others, facilitation of digital jobs (Kazi mtandaoni) and seeking opportunities for Kenyans in the global labor markets (Kazi Majuu),” Mwaura added.
Further emphasizing the government’s dedication to addressing employment challenges, Mwaura announced that this evening, President William Ruto will host a town hall event at the job fair. During this session, the President will outline the administration’s strategic initiatives aimed at fulfilling the aspirations outlined in THE BETA PLAN, which focuses on creating sustainable employment opportunities for Kenyans.
Read Also :https://switchmedianews.wordpress.com/2024/12/03/civil-society-urges-president-ruto-to-deliver-on-the-devolution-of-functions-to-county-governments/
He also noted that the Government targets to create 1, 200, 000 jobs annually between 2023 and 2027. The bulk of these jobs will be created through the formalization of the informal sector, with increased public investments in enabling infrastructure.
This will also be achieved through:
a) Establishment of Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks to promote local manufacturing. The manufacturing sector, which contributed 7.6% to GDP in
2023, provides direct employment to 363,000 people while indirectly
supporting countless livelihoods.
Facilitation of digital jobs (Kazi Mtandaoni): A total of 149,000 Kenyans
have been connected to online job opportunities with over 490,000 already
equipped with digital skills to exploit further opportunities. The government has
operationalized 274 digital hubs and is collaborating with the Private sector to
create 1450 other hubs in every ward. The government is also expanding the
last-mile fiber connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspots to facilitate more Kenyans exploit
the numerous opportunities in the digital sphere.
The continued investments in technology are further, creating a strong foundation
for digital transformation, enabling Information Technology (IT) economy workers, young digital creators and entrepreneurs to access opportunities, locally and globally. This has served to showcase Kenya’s ingenuity and innovation, with more Kenyan youth securing job opportunities abroad.
Also on seeking opportunities for jobs abroad (Kazi Majuu). Through Whole-of Government approach, efforts are underway to address labor mobility management, including workers’ access to opportunities at the global level.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC), is one of the largest employers in the
whole continent of Africa, currently managing a workforce of 410,258 teachers.
This is against a register of over 805,000 registered teachers, with those not
employed by the government engaged in private practice in private institutions
and mission schools while over 300,000 qualified and registered teachers remain
unemployed. Recognizing this surplus of qualified yet unemployed teachers, the
government is expanding international labor opportunities for Kenyan educators.
Currently, Kenyan teachers are being considered for placement in 17 countries,
with high demand for our teachers in the United States, Ireland, Germany, South
