Siasa place launched a study ‘Taptangelei’ advocating for youth employment

Siasa PLACE,” a non-governmental organization, has illuminated the aspirations and hurdles confronted by Kenyan youth within the tech industry. Led by their executive director Nerima Wako, the organization embarked on a study, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the future of work, decent work, and the dignity of workers.

In Kenya, challenges such as educated unemployment, workforce displacements during and post-Covid era, and economic regression have strained available opportunities, particularly for talented graduates forced into the digital/online economy.

“Faced with job losses from business shutdowns due to a sluggish economy, a brutal taxation regime, and inability to demonstrate tangible job creation,” explains Wako, “the government of Kenya has emphasized the opportunities in technology-enabled digital and online jobs for Kenyan youth.” Senior government officials have advocated for big-tech companies and business outsourcing companies, urging youth to prepare for and seize the ‘Taptangelei’ economic phenomenon.

However, the campaign for digital and online opportunities often neglects the risks and perils of this emerging area.

There is a lack of clear policy and regulatory frameworks for labor in the digital era, resulting in inadequate job security and social protection for workers. Irregular hiring and termination by global companies highlight the vulnerability of workers, especially those dependent on digital platforms for their livelihoods.

Furthermore, a challenging taxation regime has confused content creators, predominantly youthful, such as TikTokers and YouTubers. In response, a rapid study was conducted to document urban Kenyan youth’s perspectives on work, employment, and digital opportunities across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.

The study findings reveal that while digitalization has created more opportunities, there is a disconnect as only a minority have explored digital job opportunities.

Concerns about job security and social protection persist, with many viewing online opportunities as temporary solutions to economic hardships.

In light of these findings, Siasa PLACE proposes several recommendations, including the recognition of digital work as employment, prioritizing quality over quantity of jobs, and providing comprehensive training and support for youth interested in digital careers.

Collaboration across sectors is emphasized to advance decent work for Kenya’s youth, along with the development and enforcement of new policy and regulatory frameworks.

Finally, the organization pledges to engage with stakeholders, including youth and government ministries, to pursue the realization of these recommendations. They also affirm the validity of medical interns’ and the medical fraternity’s demands for decent and dignified work.