We’re prioritising job creation in our development strategy, PS tells ILO meet

Labour Commissioner Hellen Apiyo, Labour and Skills Development PS Shadrack Mwadime and COTU Secretary General Dr. Francis Atwoli during the ongoing ILO conference in Geneva, Switzerland/HANDOUT.

Kenya is placing job creation at the heart of its development agenda, PS for Labour and Skills Development Shadrack Mwadime has told delegates at International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference in Geneva.

Mwadime outlined the Kenyan government’s multi-sectoral approach to employment generation, emphasising targeted investment, support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and the rollout of youth-focused initiatives such as the Hustler Fund and Affordable Housing Programme.

“The government has taken deliberate steps to stimulate employment across all sectors through an integrated approach that combines investment in infrastructure, targeted incentives for MSMEs, and expanded access to credit through the Hustler Fund,” Mwadime said.

Highlighting tangible progress, the PS reported that the Affordable Housing Programme alone has created over 244,232 jobs in the construction sector, significantly boosting youth employment and economic activity in related industries.

Responding to ILO Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo’s report titled “Jobs, Rights and Growth: Reinforcing the Connection,” Mwadime praised the theme for aligning with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes inclusive growth, decent jobs, and social justice.

“This year’s report reflects the aspirations of our government under the BETA framework, which seeks to promote sustainable economic transformation through job creation and equitable growth,” he noted.

To address unemployment and the growing skills mismatch among Kenyan youth, Mwadime revealed that Kenya has intensified efforts to manage labour migration more effectively.

The government has operationalised a Labour Migration Management Strategy, including the signing of bilateral agreements with destination countries, enhanced pre-departure orientation, and reintegration programs for returnees.

“These measures have significantly boosted the protection and productivity of Kenyan migrant workers,” Mwadime stated.

He also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to aligning its labour laws with international standards, noting that the country has recently amended key legislation—including the Employment Act, Labour Institutions Act, and Occupational Safety and Health Act—to reflect evolving global standards on decent work.

In line with global efforts to combat climate change, Mwadime said Kenya is investing heavily in green jobs through the implementation of the Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (GESIP). The initiative promotes circular economy models and equips workers with new skills for a just transition to sustainable industries.

“Kenya is committed to building adaptive capacity among its workforce to ensure they are ready for emerging opportunities in the green economy,” he emphasised.

ILO Director General Houngbo, while opening the conference, called on global leaders to confront current challenges in the world of work through dialogue and cooperation.

The conference brings together government, employer, and worker representatives from across the globe to assess progress and forge practical solutions for job creation and labour rights.

Kenya’s delegation also included key stakeholders from the labour sector. Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Dr. Francis Atwoli and Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) Executive Director and CEO Jacquline Mugo also addressed the meeting.