CS Mutua urges youth to embrace online jobs

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua answers questions during the Senate Plenary session, on March 5, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] 

Youths have been challenged to embrace online jobs to earn a living and contribute to economic growth.

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the government has an elaborate plan to reinvigorate the digital economy.

Dr Mutua said that most of the youths were concentrating on formal jobs while they could earn a decent income online.

He was speaking in Kilifi county during the inauguration of the Seafarers Wages Council.

“This will really help alleviate poverty in our communities. All you need is a smartphone and a network connection,’’ the CS said. 

He explained that the online tasks are the normal daily applications that people use on their gadgets and computers.

The benefit of online work is that you can do it at any time of your choice. You can make money while others are sleeping,” Mutua said.

He, however, said lack of digital infrastructure such as the Internet in rural areas where a majority of the people do not have smartphones remains a challenge as youths in the areas cannot access online jobs and training.

At the same time the CS urged the youths to embrace maritime jobs saying that the government was in the process of making seafarers identification documents that will enable seafarers to work outside the country.

''Another critical issue is the Seafarers Identity Document (SID). Without this permit, securing employment in the maritime sector is extremely difficult. I will ensure that those without it receive the necessary support to obtain it, unlocking access to job opportunities,'' he said

Mutua underscored the need to address the unique challenges faced by seafarers and acknowledged the extensive groundwork laid to establish the seafarers wages council.

''For far too long, the men and women who power the maritime sector, our seafarers, have faced numerous challenges, including precarious employment conditions, low wages and inadequate social protection'' he said.

The wages council is also mandated to provide economic and policy interventions as well as job creation by ensuring a well regulated and attractive working environment that will encourage more Kenyans to pursue careers in the maritime industry.

Mutua said that one of the major challenges in seafarer training is the lack of dedicated training vessels and urged ship owners to offer free practical training to ensure trainees they are fully prepared for employment upon completing their courses.

The CS urged the council to adopt best practices from successful maritime nations and continuously engage in capacity-building initiatives.

“To discharge these roles, the council should strive to carry out comparative learning in other successful countries and engage in continuous capacity building, which is paramount in providing a forum for members to discuss, consult, and make crucial decisions while equipping them with adequate governance skills,” he said.