KENYA CELEBRATES WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY 2026 WITH A FOCUS ON GREEN JOBS, BPO, AND THE INFORMAL ECONOMY

 Today, Kenya marked the observance of World Youth Skills Day 2026 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), emphasizing the importance of equipping young people with practical skills that open doors to meaningful opportunities. Cabinet Secretary graced the event for Labour and Social Protection, Hon. (Dr.) Alfred Mutua and Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwang’olo Mwadime, who underscored the need for skills that go beyond certificates to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving labor market.

Under the theme “Skills for a Shared Future,” the officials highlighted how digitization, globalization, demographic shifts, and the green transition are reshaping employment landscapes. They stressed that training programs must be aligned with these changes to ensure youth can compete and adapt effectively.

“World Youth Skills Day serves as a reminder that our collective efforts must translate into practical pathways from learning to decent work,” said CS Mutua. He pointed out that relevant skills are crucial for fostering employment, entrepreneurship, and productivity among young Kenyans. Addressing the challenge of skills mismatch, he noted that since 2023, the government has intensified efforts to align skills supply with labor market demands through initiatives such as career guidance, industry-education linkages, and work-based learning programs.

Mutua also highlighted the government’s focus on boosting the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector as a means to facilitate a smoother transition from school to work. “Work-based learning remains one of the most effective ways for young people to gain real-world experience,” he added.

PS Mwadime emphasized that the government’s approach is centered on improving outcomes rather than merely increasing training numbers. “We are engaging our youth to understand the skills gap that often leaves graduates unprepared for the workforce,” he explained. These discussions aim to strengthen education systems to better prepare young people for a dynamic labour market.

Both leaders praised the annual two-day program organized in partnership with Nation Media Group, the government, and other stakeholders. They reiterated that the success of such initiatives depends on continued collaboration among government, industry, and development partners to create inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive opportunities for Kenya’s youth.

As Kenya celebrates this important day, the focus remains on empowering young people with the skills needed to build a resilient and prosperous future for all.