Online jobs offer hope for youth, says Information and Communication Technology CS Joe Mucheru

Online jobs are the best solution for Kenya's high unemployment rate, a Cabinet Secretary has said.

Information and Communication Technology Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru yesterday said the country's expanding technology sector is slowly giving rise to opportunities for the more than two million unemployed youths.

"Technology and innovation are the right ingredients to help us leapfrog to the next level," said Mr Mucheru.

The CS noted that from a survey of 25,000 youths on online jobs, 60 per cent of their earnings were spent to further their education.

"This is clear evidence that we must embrace digital innovations or else our future generations will be left out on a lot of opportunities," he said.

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Part of the initiatives put in place by the Government in advocating for online jobs is to converge the capacities of the East African nations.

"Currently, our regional markets are so fragmented, making it difficult for many to benefit from the opportunities," he added.

The CS was speaking at a meeting organised by the University of Nairobi ahead of the Nairobi Innovation week scheduled for August 1-5.

UoN Vice Chancellor Peter Mbithi said the event will give opportunities to young start-ups aiming to unleash the potential of innovators through practical skills.

"We shall also be seeking to commercialise our research proposals and make this event an opportunity to revise our curriculum to align it with the ever changing market needs," said Prof Mbithi.

Mucheru called upon financial institutions to open their doors and invest in the potential businesses.

"These innovations need to be funded. If they are left on the runway, they will enter the market half-baked and there will be no value addition," said the CS.

Standard Group, Barclays Bank, Equity Bank, Ministry of Education, Ministry of ICT and the Israeli government are some of the sponsors of the event, where over 1,500 delegates are scheduled to attend under the theme: 'Partnerships for Innovations that Impact People and Societies.'