NAIROBI – The Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE) has launched a skills needs survey report, aimed at aligning education and training programs with the current and future demands of the labour market. This initiative seeks to bridge the skills gap experienced by employers, employees, and recent graduates.

According to Kenya News Agency, Executive Director and CEO of FKE, who spoke at the event, the survey is crucial for shaping the skills development agenda in Kenya. Mugo emphasized the need for information to inform FKE’s policies, practices, and programs. Despite an international labour organization instrument on apprenticeship, the issue of skills development remains contentious among employers and workers.

Mugo highlighted a disconnect between the skills taught in learning institutions and the actual needs of the labour market. She pointed out that the current focus on certificate-oriented education does not necessarily translate into employability. Kenyans, she observed, are enthusiastic about acquiring certificates, but there’s a question of whether these qualifications enhance their employment prospects.

The CEO called on educational institutions to develop curriculums that keep pace with market changes. This involves regular monitoring to ensure that the skills taught are responsive to the dynamic labour sector. Mugo also stressed the importance of labour migration, urging Kenyans and Africans to acquire higher-level skills that can improve employability globally.

FKE, representing more than 70 percent of the formal private sector wage employees in Kenya, sees a critical role for itself in influencing the business environment and building employer capacity. This is achieved through advocacy, representation, social dialogue, and offering value-added services.

Mugo remarked on the federation’s broad role at national, regional, continental, and global levels in representing employers. She advised that workers need to engage in lifelong learning to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions.

The training programs, Mugo added, should address skill gaps and the imbalance between supply and demand in the labour market. The need for such alignment has been further highlighted by the challenges posed by COVID-19 and technological changes impacting labour skills.