In a significant step towards sustainable development, key stakeholders in Kenya’s environmental conservation sector are gathering in Nairobi to strategize on unlocking the nation’s potential as a global hub for green jobs and digital work. This initiative is being led by the government in collaboration with Jacob’s Ladder Africa, International Labour Organisation (ILO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Their aim is to align government priorities with the demands of the burgeoning green job market.

The inaugural Kenya National Green Jobs and Skills Development Workshop unites representatives from government, academia, the private sector, finance, and youth-led groups to tackle the critical need for green job creation and skills development. The workshop seeks to create a coordinated system to facilitate the development of green jobs, which has been challenging due to fragmented efforts and regulatory gaps.

Stakeholders have identified three main pillars for engagement during the workshop: skills development, enterprise development, and financing. These areas are crucial for overcoming the barriers young Kenyans face in accessing green job opportunities.

Shadrack Mwadime, Principal Secretary in the State Labour and Skills Development, highlighted the implications of transitioning to a green economy. “Regulatory reforms and emission targets will lead to changes in high-carbon industries, necessitating new skills and job realignments,” Mwadime explained.

Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Higher Education and Research, emphasized the need for educational institutions to update their curricula to meet the demands of a low-carbon economy. “Higher education institutions and technical training institutes must adapt their curricula to ensure graduates are relevant in this era of climate change,” Inyangala stressed.

Festus Ng’eno, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, noted that the workshop aims to aggregate ongoing initiatives and establish linkages to enhance coordination and avoid duplication. “With a youth population constituting 75% of the country, and many unemployed or underemployed, this workshop is vital for demonstrating Kenya’s commitment to a low-carbon and green growth pathway,” said Ng’eno.

Green jobs play a critical role in sustainable development in Kenya, providing economic and environmental benefits. These jobs are essential for preserving Kenya’s natural heritage and addressing climate change challenges by focusing on renewable energy, waste management, and conservation initiatives.

Green jobs help mitigate climate change by promoting sustainable practices such as renewable energy projects, afforestation, and climate-resilient agriculture, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience to climate-related risks like droughts and floods.

Moreover, green jobs stimulate economic growth by creating employment opportunities, especially in rural areas. This diversification reduces poverty and fosters innovation in green technologies and processes.

As Kenya continues to advance its green economy, these efforts to unlock the potential of green jobs signify a promising future for sustainable development, environmental conservation, and economic resilience.

Photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

17th May, 2024