Patmoz
By Njeri Irungu.
Nairobi, Kenya – July 15, 2025:
As the world commemorated the 10th Anniversary of World Youth Skills Day, the Central Organization of Trade Unions in Kenya (COTU-K) issued a strong call for labour protection and inclusive skilling of youth in the age of artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
Speaking on behalf of COTU-K Secretary General Dr. Francis Atwoli at the event held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Bro. Bruno M. Otiato, Head of Communications, underscored the urgent need to equip Kenyan youth with AI and digital skills while ensuring that their rights are safeguarded in an increasingly precarious job market.
“Equipping youth with AI and digital skills not only empowers them economically but also strengthens the future of the labour movement,” said Otiato, warning that technological revolutions, if not properly managed, risk widening inequalities and exacerbating youth unemployment.
The event, themed “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills”, was organized by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Nation Media Group (NMG). It brought together policymakers, labour leaders, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the future of work and youth empowerment in Kenya.
COTU (K) raised concerns over the rise of online labour platforms, which, while offering opportunities for young digital workers, have also introduced exploitative work environments. Many Kenyan youth engaged as content moderators, AI prompt engineers, software developers, data labelers, and freelancers face poor working conditions, low wages, and lack of social protection.
“These workers are often deprived of employment contracts, collective bargaining rights, and fair compensation. As the voice of Kenyan workers, we cannot remain silent as these skilled young people are exploited,” stated Otiato.
He emphasized that the labour movement must evolve to address emerging threats in the digital space. COTU (K), he said, is committed to engaging in social dialogue and contributing to policy reforms that safeguard digital workers. “Through tripartism, we are ready to contribute to labour law reforms and policies that regulate the digital workspace.”
COTU (K) also called on the Ministry of Labour to lead efforts in generating timely labour market data to guide education and training institutions. This, they argued, would ensure that university and TVET curricula align with market demands, enhancing the impact of skilling and upskilling programmes.
Otiato further challenged the Nation Media Group to not only cover the day’s discussions but also track the implementation of resolutions made by tripartite and development partners.
The trade union reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting Kenyan youth, urging all stakeholders to turn the day’s reflections into real, measurable change. Drawing parallels with past worker struggles during the Industrial Revolution, COTU (K) expressed optimism that, through collective effort, young digital workers would achieve recognition, representation, and protection in the evolving world of work.
“Just as past generations of workers fought for and won their rights, so too shall we continue fighting to ensure that today’s youth fully enjoy their labour and trade union rights in the AI-driven economy,” Otiato concluded.
COTU (K) Calls for Fair Labour Practices as Youth Mark World Youth Skills Day
