The future of work will rely increasingly on closer cooperation between training institutions and industry to equip graduates with skills suited to fast-changing local and international labour markets, the Association of Skilled Migrant Agencies of Kenya (ASMAK) has said.
Speaking at the Fourth International Research Conference, Skills Competition, Innovation, Career Guidance and Expo held at Kabete National Polytechnic, ASMAK Chairperson Francis Wahome underscored the need for joint action among academia, employers, government agencies and labour migration stakeholders to build a globally competitive workforce.
Addressing delegates under the theme “Industry–Academia Linkages and the Future of Work,” Wahome praised Kabete National Polytechnic for providing a forum where major stakeholders could discuss workforce development, innovation and skills training.
He said the connection between education institutions and industry remains essential because training institutions produce talent while employers absorb and use that talent.
“Ongoing engagement between academia and industry is vital to ensure graduates have skills that are relevant to both current and future labour markets,” Wahome said.
According to the ASMAK chairperson, employers should take a more active part in curriculum development so that institutions can align their training programmes with emerging industry requirements. He also urged institutions to seek regular feedback from employers to close skills gaps and improve graduate employability.
Wahome observed that, even as more graduates enter the job market each year, many employers still report shortages of workers with the right skills.
He linked the problem mainly to a mismatch between what students are taught in training institutions and the practical competencies needed in workplaces.
“Strong partnerships between industry and academia can greatly reduce skills mismatch while improving employment prospects for graduates,” he said.
He added that institutions with close links to employers are better placed to produce graduates who can move smoothly into employment.
Wahome pointed to rising global demand for skilled workers, saying globalization and labour mobility have created new employment avenues for Kenyan youth.
He noted that countries in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and other regions continue to look for qualified workers in sectors including healthcare, hospitality, construction, information and communication technology (ICT), manufacturing, beauty and wellness, and various technical trades.
For that reason, he urged training institutions to design programmes that respond not only to domestic labour market needs but also to international standards.
“Graduates must be equipped with globally recognized competencies and certifications that allow them to compete effectively in international labour markets,” he said.
While technical qualifications remain important, Wahome said employers are increasingly placing greater value on soft skills during recruitment.
Among the competencies most in demand are digital literacy, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, adaptability and professional ethics.
He also stressed the importance of cross-cultural competence, especially for those seeking employment opportunities outside Kenya.
“The modern workplace requires workers who can keep learning, adjust to change and work effectively with diverse teams,” he said.
The ASMAK chairperson said internships, apprenticeships and industrial attachments remain some of the most effective ways to prepare students for the world of work.
He called on industry partners to create more opportunities for practical workplace exposure, saying students gain valuable experience and a clearer understanding of employer expectations in real-world settings.
Wahome also encouraged institutions to strengthen the supervision, monitoring and evaluation of industrial attachments to ensure students gain the full benefit of the experience.
“Practical exposure closes the gap between classroom learning and workplace realities, making graduates more employable,” he said.
Recognizing labour migration as an increasingly important source of employment creation, Wahome said international job opportunities can help reduce youth unemployment while bringing economic benefits to the country.
However, he stressed that labour migration must be managed through safe, ethical and regulated frameworks.
He urged institutions to work with labour migration stakeholders to guide students on overseas employment opportunities, international workplace culture, language requirements and compliance standards.
“Students need accurate information and proper preparation before pursuing employment opportunities abroad,” he said.
Wahome also spoke on the growing influence of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of work, noting that automation is reshaping industries across the world.
While some traditional jobs may disappear or change significantly, he said new opportunities are emerging in technology-driven sectors.
He therefore urged training institutions to keep updating their curricula to include digital competencies and emerging technologies.
“Graduates must embrace lifelong learning because one qualification alone may not be enough for an entire career in today’s rapidly changing world,” he observed.
To strengthen workforce readiness and improve graduate outcomes, ASMAK proposed several interventions, including the creation of structured industry advisory boards within training institutions.
The association also called for closer cooperation among academia, employers and labour migration stakeholders, more internship and apprenticeship opportunities, promotion of entrepreneurship, and integration of digital and soft skills across all training programmes.
Additionally, Wahome recommended regular labour market forums where employers can give direct feedback to institutions on changing workforce needs.
As Kenya seeks to position itself as a source of skilled labour both locally and internationally, Wahome said collaboration among stakeholders will be crucial in producing graduates able to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy.
He reaffirmed ASMAK’s commitment to supporting partnerships that create employment opportunities and empower the next generation of workers.
“The future belongs to institutions and industries that collaborate. Our goal should not only be to graduate students but to produce competent professionals who can thrive in Kenya and compete confidently in the global labour market,” Wahome concluded.
The conference brought together researchers, educators, students, industry leaders and policymakers to examine innovative solutions for transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and strengthening Kenya’s future workforce.