Job applicants missing opportunities over lack of effective communication skills; FKE
3 min read
Kenya Federation of Employers (FKE) in its new report says Kenyan job applicants missing effective communication skills
Kenya Federation of Employers (FKE) in its new report says Kenyan job applicants missing effective communication skills.
According to a recent research released by the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), job seekers’ most deficient social ability is effective communication.
Launched in partnership with Nexford University and the Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI), the Skills Needs Survey Report 2023 focused on 521 FKE member businesses that were mostly located in the Nairobi, Coast, Western, and Rift Valley areas.
The report’s conclusions state that the main social skill that job seekers lack is effective communication, as reported by 49.1% of the organizations polled.
Critical thinking came next at 41.7 per cent, followed by teamwork at 25.7 per cent, and time management skills at 23.4 per cent.
Creativity, problem solving and conflict resolution rounded off the list at 22.1, 21.1 and 20.7 per cent respectively.
“With technological changes, labor market dynamics are evolving faster than ever and the mismatch between workers’ skills and those required by available jobs has become a top priority policy concern,” FKE CEO Jacqueline Mugo said during the launch.
“As such, many employers report difficulties finding suitably skilled workers, even though the unemployment rate is high.”
According to a survey conducted by 36% of the surveyed firms, the most lacking technical skills among job seekers were computer competence and management skills.
The proficiency in a foreign language, at 28%, came in close second.
EIGHT people returning from First Lady event feared dead after vehicle plunges into flooded river
Ruto’s economic advisor explains effect of Uganda and 4 EAC countries ditching Kenyan fuel
Government publishes new tax regulations to monitor business stocks
Ruto government responds after FIVE EAC countries plan to ditch Kenyan fuel; point fingers at Uhuru
Forbes ranks Safaricom as the third best employer in Africa
When determining the steps that organizations took to lower staff non-proficiency, the results showed that the majority of the firms (73.1%) planned trainings.
Others implemented performance assessment and benefits (45.3 per cent), changing or improving supervision (34.9 per cent), carrying out new recruitments (25.5 per cent) and changing work organization (12.1 per cent).
Other actions included carrying out appraisals, counselling, assigning of duties on a daily basis and giving deadlines to different tasks, coaching and mentorship, carrying out employment engagement surveys, staff transfers, on the job trainings, reshuffling of workers, promotions and career development and team building.
“This report sheds light on the critical intersection of education and industry needs. As we navigate the evolving demands of the workforce, it is imperative for educational institutions, businesses, and policymakers to collaborate in shaping an agile and skilled workforce that can drive innovation and sustainable economic growth,” said Dr. Laila Macharia, the CEO and co-founder of ADMI.
Also read,
Win for public servants as court blocks revoking of non-practice allowance
Kenya Airways announces resumption of flights to Bangkok after two year suspension
Raila gifts Nuru Okanga after release of KCPE exam results
Ruto puts 35 state parastatals up for sale
Tanzanian student taken hostage by Hamas confirmed dead
Two college students robbed and raped in Vihiga
Follow us
