NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has outlined an ambitious plan to create a million jobs by 2026, through the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry.
BPO is a business practice in which an organization contracts with an external service provider to perform an essential business function or task.
An organization typically contracts with another business for such services after it has identified a process that, although necessary for its operations, is not part of its core value proposition.
Kenya’s President William Ruto says it is part of East Africa’s nation to harness the potential of digital technologies for economic growth and job creation.
The President was speaking during the launch of CCI Global in Tatu City, Kiambu County.
He emphasized the transformative impact of digital technologies service delivery, citing global trends and the nation’s own achievements.
“Digital technologies have revolutionized service delivery worldwide, streamlining processes, transcending borders, significantly reducing transaction costs, and reshaping business models,” he stated.
He highlighted key statistics showcasing Kenya’s progress in the digital arena, including the exponential growth of digitally delivered services and the projected expansion of the global software and BPO services market.
“The global software and BPO services market is projected to expand from $2.4 trillion in 2022 to $3.9 trillion in 2026, with an annual growth rate of 12 percent,” he noted.
A central theme of the plan is the creation of one million digital jobs by 2026, a target set to leverage Kenya’s strengths in the digital services sector.
“Our goal is to enable at least 1 million digital workers over the next five years, supported by investments in infrastructure such as national broadband and digital hubs,” the President announced.
To achieve this goal, the government outlined a series of strategic measures, including legal reforms, standardization efforts, incentives updates, outreach and education campaigns, green energy partnerships, and skill development initiatives.
These actions are designed to enhance Kenya’s competitive edge and attract more investments in the BPO and IT-enabled services sector.
The President also emphasized the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility in the digital economy.
“Our focus on green energy, which accounts for 93% of our power supply, underscores our commitment to sustainable development,” he stated.
The President urged investors to collaborate with Kenya’s digital hubs, leveraging the advancements and opportunities presented by the nation’s digital transformation.
“Join us in shaping a digitally empowered Kenya,” the President encouraged.
The unveiling ceremony also recognized the contribution of the private sector, with commendations extended to CCI for establishing an ultramodern contact center, meant to serve global clients and contribute to Kenya’s digital journey.
