Kenya urged to bridge skills gap to promote inclusive growth
Nancy Chebet from the State Department of Gender (left), Mr. Brian Mulama, County Executive Committee Member, Talent, Skills Development and care, Nairobi County (center)and BrighterMonday’s Kenya Managing Director, Sarah Ndegwa (right) hold the Skills Gap and Gender Analysis Report 2025.
BrighterMonday Kenya, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has unveiled the Skills Gap and Gender Analysis Report 2025, highlighting Kenya’s shifting labour market trends, persistent gender disparities, and the urgent need for targeted skills development to meet future job demands.
The report, launched in Nairobi on November 6, 2025, provides comprehensive insights into emerging skills requirements, employment patterns, and barriers to equal participation in the workforce. It calls for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to promote inclusive economic growth and gender equality.
Speaking during the launch, Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Talent, Skills Development and Care, Brian Mulama, who was the Chief Guest, commended BrighterMonday Kenya and Mastercard Foundation for their role in addressing youth unemployment and skills mismatch.
“This report will help us align county programmes with national priorities and ensure that our young people are job-ready,” said Mulama.
He noted that the education and training systems must adopt practical and hands-on approaches that reflect current market needs.
“We must transition from theory-based education to skill-oriented training that empowers our youth to become job creators rather than job seekers,” he added.
Mulama further emphasized that the Nairobi County Government is committed to implementing programmes that nurture innovation, digital skills, and career readiness among young people, to make them more competitive in the job market.
Nancy Chebet, who represented the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, said the report provides critical data to guide evidence-based policy and gender-responsive interventions.
“This report offers crucial evidence for us as policymakers to design interventions that bridge existing disparities and prepare our youth, especially young women, to compete in the changing world of work,” said Chebet.
She added that Kenya’s labour market is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements, but women and youth remain underrepresented in many of the growth sectors.
“We will continue investing in programmes that empower women and ensure that no one is left behind in Kenya’s development agenda,” she noted.
Chebet reaffirmed that the State Department will deepen partnerships with private sector players like BrighterMonday Kenya to promote inclusive employment, entrepreneurship, and capacity-building programmes across all counties.
The report reveals that technology-driven sectors such as digital marketing, software development, and data analytics are experiencing the fastest growth, while soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are increasingly demanded by employers.
It also highlights that women remain underrepresented in leadership and technical roles, underscoring the need for targeted upskilling and mentorship.
BrighterMonday Kenya Managing Director, Sarah Ndegwa, said the findings mirror the realities of a fast-changing job market and emphasized the importance of closing the gap between education and industry needs.
“Kenya’s labour market is dynamic, but there is still a mismatch between available talent and market demand. This report is meant to guide both employers and job seekers to make informed decisions,” said Ndegwa.
She noted that BrighterMonday Kenya’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation demonstrates their shared commitment to building a more inclusive and future-ready workforce.
“We aim to use this data to empower job seekers, particularly women and youth, with the right skills and career tools that align with market opportunities,” she added.
Ndegwa emphasized that data-driven insights are key to ensuring that interventions are practical and sustainable. She said BrighterMonday Kenya will continue working with stakeholders to promote employability, innovation, and gender inclusivity.
The Skills Gap and Gender Analysis Report 2025 calls for collective action to bridge gender and skills gaps through mentorship, digital literacy programmes, and inclusive hiring policies.
The report. recommends continuous collaboration among government agencies, academia, and private sector actors to create a more equitable and competitive job market that responds to Kenya’s future workforce needs.
