The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has called on organisations to provide adequate youth empowerment and training to prepare them for future leadership and management positions.
KEPSA Chairperson Dr. Jas Bedi said that Africa’s population is estimated at 1.37 billion. Generation Z is currently the largest generation in Africa, with 428 million inhabitants making up 31.20%.
Kenya’s population is estimated at 54 million. Generation Z is the most populous, with 18.3 million inhabitants, representing 33.42%. Millennials are 12 million, representing 22.05%. Both generations make up 55.47%.
“At KEPSA, we recognise that the emergence of Generation Z in the workforce represents not just a demographic shift but a profound transformation in corporate culture and leadership dynamics. This generational shift presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses in Kenya,” said Dr. Bedi.
He explained that, in alignment with their KEPSA Business Strategy 2023-2027, they are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces generational diversity.
“Our strategy recognises that the future of corporate leadership will be shaped by the diverse perspectives and ideas that Gen-Z brings to the table. By actively engaging this generation, we aim to cultivate a new wave of leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern business world,” he said.
The chairperson said that to support this initiative, KEPSA has launched several initiatives specifically designed to onboard and empower Gen-Z entrepreneurs.
Dr. Bedi said that the Kenya Youth Employment and Empowerment Accelerator Programme (KYEEAP) is a multifaceted initiative dedicated to nurturing small enterprises in Kenya by providing support in financing, market access, coaching, and supply chain opportunities.
This initiative, he said, comprises the Ajira Digital Programme that targets individuals aged 18 to 35, offering training, mentorship, and job linkages through various avenues such as Ajira Youth Empowerment Centres (AYECs), university clubs, and partnerships with the private sector.
“Twende Digital Project aims to boost youth employment by empowering SMEs and has set targets such as generating 3,046 employment opportunities for young people and enhancing the income, profitability, and productivity of 400 SMEs,” explained Dr. Bedi.
He highlighted that the Digital Skills and Employment Advancement Programme (DSEAP), through the Microsoft Community Training (MCT) platform, has trained 15,000 youth and provided labour market information to over 200,000 young individuals.
He added that the dual TVET and the Digital Explorer, among other KEPSA initiatives, are strategically focused on driving the digital transformation of small businesses, creating job prospects in the digital sector, supporting the digitalisation efforts of the public sector, and enhancing market-orientated skills.
Additionally, Dr. Bedi said, KEPSA has implemented training workshops focusing on critical skills such as digital marketing, financial literacy, and business management. These workshops are tailored to meet the needs of young entrepreneurs, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.
“By equipping Gen-Z with the necessary tools and knowledge, we are laying the groundwork for their success in leadership roles,” said Dr. Bedi.
“As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to embrace generational diversity in our corporate strategies. By fostering an inclusive environment that values the contributions of all generations, we can drive innovation, enhance productivity, and ensure sustainable growth for our businesses. The rise of Gen-Z is not just a trend; it is a transformative force that will shape the future of corporate leadership in Kenya,” he said.
Dr. Bedi said that they invite all stakeholders to join them in this journey towards a more inclusive and diverse business landscape.
“Together, we can harness the potential of Generation Z and create a thriving environment that supports the next generation of leaders. Let us work collaboratively to ensure that our businesses not only adapt to change but also lead it, setting a benchmark for future generations to follow,” said Dr. Bedi.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
