Up to 65% of hard skills required for Kenya’s most common jobs are now automatable by AI, according to a new report from BrighterMonday Kenya, unveiled Tuesday at the 2025 HR Smart Lab.
The findings come as 800,000 youth join Kenya’s job market each year, adding to nearly 3 million unemployed, per the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. While Africa is projected to be the world’s largest talent pool by 2050, a growing skills mismatch could leave millions behind.
“We’re riding a massive digital wave that’s redefining employability,” said Sarah Ndegwa, Acting Managing Director of BrighterMonday Kenya. “It’s not just about jobs existing, but whether we’re ready for them.”
Data from 1.3 million candidate profiles shows the gap is sharpest in tech fields. A 2025 SAP survey found 86% of Kenyan firms cite cybersecurity as their biggest skills shortage, followed by cloud computing at 79%.
BrighterMonday is calling for urgent collaboration between government, industry, and education sectors to launch mass reskilling initiatives. It recommends focusing on:
- AI-resilient skills: communication, negotiation, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking.
- Digital-first skills: software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
Hilda Kabushenga, CEO of The African Talent Company, emphasized the importance of programs like GenerationKazi, aimed at giving young Kenyans the tools and training to succeed in the evolving job market.
