How AI is shaping youth employability
To make sure Kenya’s youth don’t get left behind in the AI revolution, we need to take real steps to close the skills gap.
What you need to know:
- AI related roles often require technical knowledge that many young people in Kenya are not yet equipped with.
- Without access to the digital resources necessary to acquire AI-related skills, many young people are at risk of being left behind.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries across the globe, bringing with it both exciting opportunities and challenging disruptions. In Kenya particularly, AI presents both opportunities for innovation and emerging challenges for youth employability.
As a former employee of Sama Kenya, a company deeply involved in AI-powered services, I have seen firsthand the profound impact AI can have on shaping careers for young people. But how does AI affect youth employability, and what can we do to equip the next generation for the workforce?
With AI-driven advancements in data analysis, machine learning and automation, we are seeing the creation of entirely new job categories that require specialised skills. These include roles like data analysts, machine learning engineers and AI specialists — jobs that were virtually non-existent a decade ago. While the promise is great, the question remains: are young people prepared to take advantage of these opportunities?
Despite the optimism surrounding AI’s potential, there are significant challenges to overcome. The most pressing of these is the skills gap. AI related roles often require technical knowledge that many young people in Kenya are not yet equipped with.
Tech-driven economy
The current education system is still playing catch-up with the rapidly evolving job market. Many schools and universities still focus on traditional disciplines, leaving youth underprepared for the demands of a tech-driven economy.
Access to the internet has posed a major challenge for the youth, particularly those in rural areas. Without access to the digital resources necessary to acquire AI-related skills, many young people are at risk of being left behind.
To make sure Kenya’s youth don’t get left behind in the AI revolution, we need to take real steps to close the skills gap. First, we should introduce AI concepts early by strengthening science education in schools, and not just theory but also practical skills like coding.
AI research centres
Next, we need more affordable and accessible AI training programmes. Schools, businesses and the government should work together to create learning opportunities, whether through online courses, workshops, or projects.
Beyond training, we should invest in innovation hubs and AI research centres where young people can experiment, build solutions and even launch start-ups. AI is the future, and with the right support, Kenyan youth can be at the forefront, creating technology that solves real problems in their communities.
In addition to formal education and training programmes, youth must also be encouraged to embrace a mindset of continuous learning. AI is evolving rapidly, and today’s skills may be obsolete tomorrow. Fostering a culture of lifelong learning is essential for youth to stay relevant in an ever-changing workforce.
Ultimately, the key to ensuring youth employability in the age of AI era lies not just in adapting to new technologies, but in creating an environment where every young person has the tools, resources and mindset to thrive in this digital world.
The writer is a former technical team lead at Sama Kenya.