This archive report was first published on 17 November 2021.
Published on November 17, 2021, a commentary by The Standard highlighted the rise of the hustler movement in Kenya's political circles. However, beneath the surface, a more profound change is taking place.
Kenya is quietly dehustling, with the economy shifting towards higher-skilled workers. In the tea-growing regions, non-Kenyans are increasingly taking up jobs that were once considered low-skilled. Similarly, mitumba sellers, barbers, and house girls are being replaced by more skilled workers. Even farmhands are becoming scarce, as young men and women prefer digital work over manual labor.
The private security industry is also undergoing a significant transformation. With the rise of technology, security companies are now able to track and monitor vehicles remotely, making it easier for fleet managers to keep tabs on their vehicles from the comfort of their desks.
Kenya's dehustling is not unique to the country. The United States has also seen a similar trend, where immigrants take up jobs that are considered 'dirty work.' This shift is a sign that Kenya is joining the league of developed countries, where there is a greater focus on infrastructure, technology, and individualism.
However, the question remains: is dehustling good for Kenya? On one hand, it allows for a shift towards higher-skilled workers, which can lead to better-paying jobs. On the other hand, it may lead to a class of affluent citizens and an underclass of low-skilled workers, with a 'squeezed' middle class in between.
