The ICT Authority (ICTA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are conducting a data validation workshop for their ongoing study on “Digital Skills Supply and Demand in Kenya: A Focus on ICT Professionals Across Sectors”. This comprehensive assessment supported by the United Kingdom’s Digital Access Programme (UK-DAP), focuses on identifying existing gaps among ICT professionals and the emerging skills required in the rapidly evolving digital landscape in Kenya.
The survey, initiated in 2023, involved extensive consultations and data collection to ascertain the demand and supply of digital skills, including profiling professionals and identifying their strengths. It also looked into security aspects and the roles and skills of professionals in government. The survey was conducted across all 47 counties, encompassing the government, private sector, academia, and ICT professionals, including persons with disabilities and the elderly.
During this validation process that involved KICTANet, there was a great deal of sharing of information and numerous recommendations were put forward. One important recommendation was the need to increase the representation of persons with disabilities to better understand the challenges they encounter in the digital realm.
Looking into the survey, key findings from the study emphasize the growing demand for digital skills such as networking, data analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. It also highlights the need for soft skills such as creativity and critical thinking, which are currently lacking.
The study also points out specific digital job categories that are in high demand, including software development, data science, blockchain development, AI/ML engineering, and intelligence analysis.
Interestingly, some jobs such as customer service agents and data entry clerks are likely to be replaced by artificial intelligence, calling for skill resilience, improvement and relearning.
In light of the survey’s findings, ongoing initiatives include the development of a national digital skills roadmap aimed at aligning with the National Digital Masterplan 2022-2032.
Additionally, efforts are underway to tap into new graduates for digital skills training, with plans to extend training to parliamentarians and staff, and the private sector. Further, they aim to collaborate with tech companies like Microsoft and Google to accredit digital skills training programs.
The survey sets the foundation for future assessments and enhancements, playing a significant role in Kenya’s digital future.
As we anticipate the completion of this assessment, it would be valuable to explore the impact of emerging technologies on Kenya’s digital workforce and the ongoing need for improvement.
Nicodemus Nyakundi is a Digital Accessibility for PWDs Program Officer at KICTANet. He has a background in IT and advocates for the digital inclusion of persons with disabilities.
