Management skills and computer proficiency are the most lacking abilities among Kenyans seeking employment, a survey by the Federation of Kenya Employers shows.
The Skills Needs Survey Report, November 2023, said 36 per cent of employers cited management skills as the most lacking skill in job applicants.
The report further said another 36 per cent of employers named computer use proficiency as missing among job seekers while while 28 per cent cited poor mastery of foreign language.
“In establishing the actions taken by organisations to reduce non-proficiency among staff, the findings revealed that most organisations (73.1 per cent) organised for training,” the report said.
It further said other actions included implementing performance assessment and benefits (45.3 per cent), changing/improving supervision (34.9 per cent), carrying out new recruitments (25.5 per cent) and changing work organisation (12.1 per cent).
The survey targeted enterprises that are members of FKE.
The enterprises span 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.
The survey noted that enterprises carry out appraisals, counselling, coaching and mentorship to reduce non-proficiency among staff.
It added that from the survey, 49.1 per cent of respondent enterprises identified effective communication to be the most lacking social skill in job applicants.
The report added that poor communication skills were followed by a lack of critical thinking (41.7 per cent), teamwork (25.7 per cent) and time management skills at 23.4 per cent.
“Social skills are essential in achieving a harmonious workplace environment. Lack of, or inadequacy of social skills among employees presents a challenge in cultivating synergy in an enterprise,” the report stated.
Findings further revealed that 56 per cent of enterprises encouraged on-the-job training.
“It was also found that 53.7 per cent organised for internal courses, seminars or workshops, 44. 4 per cent organised external courses while 24.6 per cent preferred self-directed studies,” the report said.
It added that 15.7 per cent exclusively participated in online courses administered by external facilitators.