Kenya boosts Tech collaborations to tackle youth unemployment

By Vera Mokeira 

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced Tuesday that the government is strengthening collaborations with global technology companies to generate more job opportunities for young people.

Speaking during the openng of the Huawei LEAP Job Fair 2025 at the University of Nairobi, the Prof Kindiki emphasized technology's crucial role in addressing global challenges in te current century, underscoring the immediate need to leverage it.

"We must empower young people to achieve their current and future aspirations. Technology needs to be central to creating jobs and opportunities. IT companies like Huawei hold the future for young people in Kenya and worldwide."

The DP welcomed Africa's position in driving technological progress, highlighting the continent's youthful average age as a significant advantage for technological growth and advancement.

"Africa is at the core of the world's future because it is the youngest continent, with an average population age of 19 years. Africa is poised to significantly influence the world's future."

He explained that Kenya is tackling youth unemployment through various initiatives. These include facilitating access to digital jobs and offering training opportunities for new digital skills through vocational programs, among others.

"The most pressing issue facing young people in Kenya and many other parts of the world is the lack of access to employment, jobs, and income opportunities," he said. "This leads young people into crime, drug abuse, and a state of hopelessness and despair. This challenge isn't unique to Kenya, and it has our immediate attention."

To counter this, the DP advocated for a stronger partnership between the public and private sectors, citing its benefits for the populace. He believes the diminishing separation between the public and private sectors is an irreversible trend.

"Governments have come to accept the reality that as we move forward in solving our national problems, we alone are not sufficient to provide solutions; we need the private sector," the DP asserted. "Closer ties between the public and private sector can accelerate Kenya's progress, allowing us to reach our desired destination sooner and with fewer obstacles."