President Ruto Announces Ambitious Plan - 1 Million Digital Jobs in 5 Years

Bolstering Competitiveness

The government is actively bolstering the country’s competitiveness and bringing it in line with global standards to spur the rapid growth of the BPO market and other IT-enabled services. President William Ruto highlighted the objective of scaling up government investments in crucial infrastructure such as national broadband networks and digital hubs. This initiative aims to pave the way for creating employment opportunities for at least one million digital workers over the next five years, demonstrating a proactive approach towards economic development and technological advancement in the country.

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

"We are determined to secure a significant portion of the BPO sector for the benefit of our ambitious young workforce eager to contribute to our economic growth," President William Ruto declared. He highlighted Kenya's strengths, including a sizable and skilled youth population, government policies prioritizing the digital economy as a key pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and an education system emphasizing digital skills. Additionally, Kenya's strategic geographic location within global time zones, coupled with proficiency in English, a language widely used in major economies, positions the country favorably for BPO and digital service expansion. These factors underscore Kenya's commitment to harnessing its potential in the digital economy to foster inclusive economic growth and job creation.

Collaborative Efforts

President Ruto delivered these remarks at the inauguration of the Call Centre International (CCI) Global Contact Centre located in Tatu City, Ruiru, Kiambu County. The center, which has already generated over 5,000 jobs, serves as a testament to Kenya's growing capability in the BPO sector. The event was attended by several dignitaries including Cabinet Secretaries Rebecca Miano and Eliud Owalo, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, and United States Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, underscoring the collaborative efforts between government officials and international partners to bolster Kenya's digital economy and create employment opportunities for its youthful population.

Sector-specific Legislation

"Our objective is to draft sector-specific legislation that adheres to international standards across short, medium, and long-term timelines," President Ruto emphasized. He highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing current laws to establish a supportive environment conducive to the growth of the ICT-BPO industry. This proactive approach aims to attract more investments, foster innovation, and bolster Kenya's position as a competitive player in the global digital economy.

Comprehensive Skills Training

President Ruto emphasized the government's collaboration with the private sector to provide comprehensive skills training for Kenyan youth, equipping them for future job opportunities. He underscored that these efforts are part of broader initiatives aimed at strengthening the ICT-BPO sector. This includes ensuring compliance with international best practices through rigorous enforcement of BPO standards, updating fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to align with rapid technological advancements, and investing in sustainable green energy solutions to support the sector's growth. These strategic measures are intended to enhance Kenya's competitive edge in the global digital economy while fostering sustainable development and job creation locally.

Investors and Government

President Ruto urged investors to join hands with the government in its digital hubs program aimed at bolstering BPO operations and facilitating their expansion. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, he highlighted that these initiatives underscore Kenya's dedication to nurturing a robust, sustainable, and globally competitive BPO sector. The President's call to action reflects the government's proactive stance in creating an enabling environment that encourages investment, innovation, and job creation within the digital economy. This collaborative approach seeks to harness Kenya's potential as a leading player in the global BPO landscape while ensuring long-term economic growth and prosperity. Click here to learn more.

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