Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua
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Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has introduced a comprehensive strategy to address Kenya's youth unemployment crisis.
This was during his address at the East African Employability Summit at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre on Wednesday. At the heart of his proposal lies the 1 Million Next Level Initiative, an ambitious program designed to facilitate access to employment, education, and entrepreneurial opportunities for one million Kenyans annually. The initiative represents a significant departure from conventional approaches to workforce development, focusing on equipping young Kenyans with contemporary skills essential for success in an evolving job market.
The strategic framework includes the development of the Kenya Skills Hub, a digital platform that will serve as a centralized resource for youth development. This virtual hub will offer comprehensive access to free skill enhancement programs, internship opportunities, career guidance, and job listings, enabling young people to navigate their professional development more effectively. A key component of Mutua's strategy involves the implementation of a National Policy to bridge the gap between industry requirements and educational curricula.
This policy aims to ensure that academic programs remain relevant and responsive to current market demands, fostering a more symbiotic relationship between educational institutions and employers. Complementing this policy, Mutua has introduced the National Guidelines for Career Guidance and accompanying Training Manual which provides structured support for youth as they chart their career trajectories. The urgency of these initiatives was accentuated by a recent recruitment exercise involving a Qatari company, which highlighted significant skills gaps among Kenyan job seekers. Despite attracting 15,000 applicants for 8,000 positions, only 5% of candidates demonstrated the required qualifications.
This outcome has prompted Mutua to emphasize the importance of genuine skill development and practical experience. Mutua strongly advocates for youth participation in volunteer opportunities as a means of gaining valuable experience and enhancing their employability. He stresses that finding employment requires dedication and persistence, encouraging young people to approach their job search with the same commitment they would bring to actual employment. The Cabinet Secretary emphasizes that while the government is committed to creating supportive frameworks, individual initiative remains crucial for professional success.