Kenya produces over 50,000 university graduates annually, yet many struggle to find jobs. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported that the country’s unemployment rate stood at 5.68 percent in 2023, with young people bearing the brunt of joblessness.

Meanwhile, industries such as construction, IT, and electrical services face a shortage of skilled workers. This contradiction reveals the education system emphasises degrees over practical skills, leaving graduates without employment opportunities in these technical fields.

Skills are the new currency in the workplace, not degrees! The world’s richest person, Elon Musk, has come out advocating for skills over degrees. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has often stated that skills and problem-solving abilities matter more than formal education. His companies prioritise hiring individuals who demonstrate practical skills rather than those with just academic credentials. Is that one factor behind his company’s success?

Skilled labour is needed in several Kenyan sectors. For instance, the ICT sector is growing fast, generating demand for programmers and data analysts, while the building sector needs masons, plumbers, and electricians. Limited access to funding and vocational training prevents young people from developing essential skills.

While the Kenyan government has made strides in expanding its technical, vocational education and training institutions, there is still a need for more investment and awareness to make these programmes more accessible and appealing.

To bridge the gap, short-term, industry-focused training programmes should be supported as viable alternatives to traditional education. County innovation hubs, such as Swahili Hub, Magharibi Hub, Mt Kenya, Eldo Hub, and Nairobi Garage, offer courses in coding, digital marketing and freelance skills. These hubs need to be strengthened to continue providing short-term courses.

These micro-certifications equip participants with immediate, job-ready skills and create opportunities for Kenyan youth in the global job market.

With the rise of remote work and freelancing, skilled individuals can earn without formal employment. Yes, the government is doing all it can to increase skill sets for the youth, but more needs to be done. Initiatives like Ajira Digital have played a role in equipping youth with the necessary skills to participate in the gig economy, but the government cannot do it alone. The private sector should continue stepping up.

The Kenyan economy is growing, and youths must adapt to stay competitive. Rather than viewing a degree as the only road to success, young people should embrace lifelong learning and skill development. To prosper in a changing economy, Kenyan youths should focus on key initiatives.

First, they should embrace continual learning by acquiring accessible skills in various industries using sites such as YouTube, Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning. This self-education, paired with curiosity and agility, will enable them to remain relevant as the future of work changes. The focus for young people should shift from degrees to skills by embracing a growth mindset.

In today’s economy, qualities like creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills are far more valuable than traditional academic credentials. Utilising technology is essential.

The internet opens up a world of opportunities for learning and earning, especially through freelance platforms. By diving into the gig economy, young people can learn various skills while paving the way for long-term career success.

Entrepreneurship and innovation are also vital. Starting small businesses or side hustles allows youth to experiment and grow.

Kenyan youth can leverage AI to transition from degree-based careers to a skills-driven economy by embracing AI-powered learning, freelancing, entrepreneurship, and industry-specific applications. AI-driven platforms like Coursera, GitHub Copilot, and ChatGPT enable personalised, self-paced learning, while AI tools for content creation, digital marketing, and automation enhance freelancing opportunities.

— The writer is an Innovations Evangelist and a PhD Candidate