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Kenya's Gig Economy: A Potential Solution to Youth Unemployment

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Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 1 min read

This archive report was first published on 13 January 2020.

As of September 2019, Kenya boasted an impressive 112 per cent mobile penetration, with a staggering 53.2 million active mobile subscriptions.

With smartphone penetration and high internet speeds, the country's youth are well-positioned to take advantage of the gig economy, a task-based arrangement where workers receive payment after completing specific tasks.

Platforms have made it easier for consumers and gig workers to connect, source gigs, and conduct direct transactions.

Jerioth Mwaura, Youth Impact Labs Program lead, believes that the gig economy holds the key to addressing youth unemployment, which stands at 26.4 per cent, according to a report released in August 2019.

However, firms in the gig economy face challenges, including limited funds and access to the market, notes Jerioth.

Watch this interview with Jerioth to learn more about the potential of the gig economy in solving youth unemployment.

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