Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen Leading the Charge at The Future of Work & Wealth Creation Summit 2024

On November 8th, 2024, Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, delivered a keynote address at the Future of Work & Wealth Creation Summit 2024, held at Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya. Known for his commitment to youth empowerment and driving economic growth in Kenya, CS Murkomen's insights set a motivating tone for the summit, centered around the theme: "The Nexus Between AI and the Future of Work."

The summit, organized by Afrika Transition Hub in partnership with Daystar University, attracted a broad spectrum of attendees including students, professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders, eager to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and unlocking new opportunities for Kenya's workforce. Key partners included Spectrum Film School, Daystar Alumni, KEPSA, the Ministry of Labor, and Rocket Jobs, who collectively engaged in critical discussions about building a future-ready workforce for Kenya and Africa.

CS Murkomen’s Vision for AI and Youth Empowerment in Kenya

In his keynote address, CS Murkomen outlined his vision for Kenya’s future workforce, emphasizing the transformative power of AI in creating new opportunities for young people across sectors. His message centered on the importance of embracing technology, digital literacy, and youth-driven innovation in positioning Kenya as a leader in the AI-driven global economy.

1. AI as a Growth Catalyst: Murkomen highlighted how AI can serve as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation in Kenya and Africa. While acknowledging that automation may change some traditional roles, he pointed out that it also creates new industries and skills, offering the youth a chance to adapt and lead the tech-driven workforce of the future.

2. Investing in Digital Literacy: Murkomen called for greater investment in digital literacy programs aimed at equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and educational institutions in providing training and mentorship that can close the skills gap in emerging industries.

3. Youth as Change Agents: Passionate about empowering the youth, Murkomen encouraged the young people in attendance to view themselves as change agents in a rapidly evolving world. He emphasized that Kenya's future lies in the hands of a skilled, adaptable, and ambitious youth workforce, ready to face the challenges and seize the opportunities created by AI.

Collaborative Approach to Economic Growth

CS Murkomen also underscored the importance of collaborative partnerships between government, industry, and academia in building a resilient and future-ready workforce. He praised the contributions of summit partners like Daystar University, Afrika Transition Hub, and Spectrum Film School for creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and skills development among Kenya's youth.

Key Takeaways and a Vision for the Future Workforce

CS Murkomen’s address at the Future of Work & Wealth Creation Summit was a clear call to action for the Kenyan youth and policymakers to invest in building a digital-first workforce. His vision for a tech-savvy, adaptable workforce aligns with Kenya’s push towards economic transformation through technology and innovation.

The Cabinet Secretary’s leadership in youth empowerment, the creative economy, and sports development are pivotal in shaping Kenya's workforce to embrace the opportunities AI presents. His message left a lasting impact, inspiring attendees to take proactive steps toward integrating AI into their careers and industries.