By Steve Sabai
As Kenya gears up to celebrate its 61st Jamhuri Day on December 12, the government has focused on job creation and economic empowerment. This year’s festivities theme, Jobs, Labour Migration, Entrepreneurship, and Entertainment, underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment and poverty, key challenges since independence.
Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura emphasized the innovative approach to this year’s celebrations: the Jamhuri National Job Fair. Running from December 5 to 11, the event has brought together government ministries, private sector stakeholders, international recruiters, and job seekers to foster networking and employment opportunities.
“Kenya is determined to actualize the independence dream by creating opportunities through Kazi kwa Ground, Kazi Mtandaoni, and Kazi Majuu initiatives,” Dr. Mwaura declared, highlighting avenues for domestic, digital, and global job creation.
The government has outlined plans to create 1.2 million jobs annually between 2023 and 2027. Key initiatives include Special Economic Zones to boost local manufacturing, agricultural productivity programs such as subsidized fertilizers, and record recruitment of 76,000 teachers over two years to address education gaps. The construction sector, particularly through affordable housing projects, has already provided jobs for over 160,000 Kenyans.
Through an expanding digital ecosystem, over 490,000 Kenyans have gained digital skills, with 149,000 already connected to online jobs. Efforts include establishing digital hubs, last-mile fiber connectivity, and Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide. To facilitate international job placements, Kenya has secured opportunities for over 105,000 citizens across countries like Canada, Germany, and the UAE. Initiatives such as teacher mobility programs and negotiations with new markets like Poland and Russia aim to open further doors for Kenyan professionals.
The government also announced sweeping reforms in the coffee sector, focusing on transparency, farmer empowerment, and reduced production costs. Farmers now benefit from direct payments and enhanced security measures for their produce.
Dr. Mwaura also addressed the ongoing floods affecting regions like the Lake Victoria Basin, where over 14,000 people have been displaced. He assured the public of ongoing support through disaster relief measures, including contributions from the UAE government and efforts by local partners such as the Kenya Red Cross.
As part of the Jamhuri Day celebrations, President William Ruto will host a town hall at the Job Fair to discuss progress under the Kenya Kwanza administration’s BETA Plan. The public is encouraged to participate in the Job Fair, explore opportunities, and join in the mission to build a prosperous Kenya.
“Kenya itainuka, itasimama, itanawiri. Let’s unite for a brighter future,” concluded Dr. Mwaura
