The expansion of digitally delivered services, platform technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming trade and labour markets. How can countries attract digital jobs and investment, grow domestic ecosystems and ensure labour rights and social protection for digital workers? This white paper explores the question through Kenya’s digital economy.
The paper identifies challenges ranging from access to digital jobs to decent work deficits in these jobs and job churn due to AI and automation. It explores a range of government and business responses and focuses its recommendations on labour law amendments to include digital workers; decent work toolkits for business; and harmonizing labour standards through trade and regional frameworks.
The study draws from close to 40 stakeholder interviews and a workshop in Nairobi. It was undertaken with Africa Practice as part of the joint TASC Platform–World Economic Forum Trade and Labour Programme funded by Laudes Foundation.