A degree in information technology is the most sought-after academic qualification by enterprises, a survey by the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) shows.
The Skills Needs Survey Report, November 2023, said information technology took the lead at 50.5 per cent followed closely by business management (48.4 per cent) and legal professions (36.5 per cent).
“Workers with up to masters degree qualifications are mostly in demand in legal professions (10.4 per cent) while those with up to doctorate degree qualifications are in demand in education and training (3.1 per cent),” the report noted.
It further said workers with only secondary education are mostly in demand in public safety, corrections and security career fields (4.8 per cent) and arts and recreational services (3.1 per cent).
Findings further indicated that workers up to TVET skill level are mostly in demand in transport and logistics (26.5 per cent), social service and community development (13.2 per cent) and hospitality and tourism career fields (11.1 per cent).
The report said surveyed enterprises indicated that they have a higher demand for workers with undergraduate degree (43.8 per cent) and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) at 39.9 per cent followed by workers with secondary education at 23.4 per cent.
“From the survey, enterprises are in need of competence in information technology (28.4 per cent), finance and business management (27.4 per cent), engineering (19.2 per cent) transport, distribution and logistics (18.6 per cent) and legal (18.2 per cent),” the report noted.
The survey targeted enterprises that are members of FKE. The enterprises span across different sectors of the economy and operate across the country but are clustered in four regions; Nairobi, Coast, Western and Rift Valley.
A total of 521 enterprises participated in the study, the majority of them (58.3 per cent) located in Nairobi.
Primary data was sought through the administration of a questionnaire with both close-ended and open-ended questions to the members of the federation. The questionnaire was administered physically and online.
FKE is the national umbrella body and the voice of employers in Kenya.
It serves as a platform for the articulation of key concerns of the employers in Kenya in the areas of socio-economic development.
FKE is the most representative employers’ organisation in the country, representing the employers’ interests both locally and internationally. It was established in 1959 under the Trade Unions Act Cap 233.