How AI is shaping youth employability

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries across the globe, bringing with it both exciting opportunities and challenging disruptions.

In Kenya particularly, AI presents both a source of innovation and an emerging challenge for youth employability. But how does AI really affect youth employability, and what can we do to equip the next generation for the workforce?

AI is revolutionising various sectors, creating opportunities for young people to get involved in exciting new fields. With AI-driven advancements in data analysis, machine learning and automation, we are seeing the creation of entirely new job categories that require specialised skills.

These include roles like data analysts, machine learning engineers, and AI specialists—jobs that were virtually non-existent a decade ago.

As AI continues to grow, these innovations open up new avenues for youth to build careers. But while the promise is great, the question remains: are young people prepared to take advantage of these opportunities?

Despite the optimism surrounding AI’s potential, there are significant challenges to overcome. The most pressing of these is the skills gap. While AI has created new job opportunities, these roles often require specialised technical knowledge that many young people in Kenya are not yet equipped with.

The current education system, while improving, is still playing catch-up with the rapidly evolving job market.

Access to the internet has posed a major challenge for the Kenyan youth, particularly those in rural areas. In marginalised areas where technology adoption can be slower, AI’s impact could be far more pronounced, leaving a huge chunk of the population struggling to keep up. To make sure Kenya’s youth don’t get left behind in the AI revolution, we need to take real steps to close the skills gap.

First, we should introduce AI concepts early by strengthening STEM education in schools. Next, we need more affordable and accessible AI training programs.

Schools, businesses, and the government should work together to create learning opportunities, so that young people can gain real experience.

Beyond training, we should invest in innovation hubs and AI research centres where young people can experiment, build solutions, and even launch startups. AI is the future, and with the right support, Kenyan youth can be at the forefront, creating technology that solves real problems in their communities.

Ultimately, the key to ensuring youth employability in the AI era lies not just in adapting to new technologies, but in shaping an environment where every young person has the tools, resources, and mindset to thrive in this digital world. The buck stops with you.

In my time at Sama Kenya, I have seen the power of upskilling programs. We have trained many young people to engage directly with AI projects, from data annotation to quality assurance.

These programs demonstrate that with the right training and support, young people can transition into tech-focused roles and find meaningful, sustainable employment. These initiatives not only prepare youth for the specific demands of the AI industry but also give them a broader understanding of the value of data and technology in today’s economy.

In addition to formal education and training programs, youth must also be encouraged to embrace a mindset of continuous learning. AI is evolving rapidly, and today’s skills may be obsolete tomorrow.

Fostering a culture of lifelong learning is essential for youth to stay relevant in an ever-changing workforce. This can be supported by easy access to online courses, workshops, and mentorship programs that allow young professionals to remain adaptable and stay ahead of the curve.

The writer is a former Technical Team Lead at Sama Kenya