1. Bloomberg Ranks Kenya’s Growth Rate Third Globally
Kenya’s economy is one of five countries globally that will grow at above 5 percent in 2015. In fact, we are third, right after China and Philippines. And this ranking factors in all the big challenges we are facing including terrorism which has essentially wiped out tourism jobs. So get positive, dear jobseeker. If there is any country that has jobs a plenty for you, it’s Kenya.
2. Advertising Galore
The Kenyan advertising industry–TV, Radio, print ads–is now worth Ksh 85.8 billion. Safaricom alone spent Sh8.5billion on advertising last year. Other big players include Reckitt Benckiser, PSI Kenya, Samsung, EABL, Unilever Kenya, Airtel, Multichoice Kenya, OLX and KCB. Why is this of interest? If you are looking for jobs in marketing, now you know which companies are likely to have room for you. Conversely, consider the multitudes of advertising, printing and market research firms that work for these big ten. Consider also the companies that offer them marketing platforms. And lastly, note that the Sh85.8 billion excludes another large advertising market: digital. Plenty of job opportunities; but do you have the skills, attitudes and mindset to get them?
3. Ever Heard of Siginon Global?
Yes, no, maybe. It is a logisitics firm situated at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport that has just invested Sh1 billion in the construction of a new cargo terminal that will be officially launched in July. They hope to increase volumes handled from 10,000 tonnes a year to 60,000 tonnes. That’s a lot of new jobs in warehouse/operations management, finance & accounting, IT among others.
4. Airlines, However, Are Having a Tough Time
The airline to pursue at this time remains Kenya Airways, which has recently won the cargo airline of the year award. We have previously highlighted the government urging Kenya Airways to hire locally. However, bad news abounds in the industry for some smaller airlines. Fly 540 is involved in at least two court cases and seems to be struggling to stay afloat. Meanwhile, Jambojet suffers from a chronic delayed flights problem, suggesting some internal problems. Venture here with caution.
5. Hope in the Sugar Industry?
On Thursday last week, the national assembly endorsed a privatisation schedule that will very soon see 5 sugar millers privatized: Chemilil, Nzoia, South Nyanza, Muhoroni and Miwani. Privatisation can go both ways in terms of jobs. Restructuring will lead to massive retrenchment, but these new structures will also absorb a new breed of workers. However, also note that the sugar industry is likely to come under great competitive pressure in coming years. The COMESA just granted Kenya a one-year extension to continue restricting sugar imports but that arrangement will not last forever. Tread carefully.
6. Manufacturing: Cement
An analysis in the Business Daily this week suggests that cement consumption and production are likely to go up this year. Especially due to the coal plant construction in Lamu by Amu Power, massive road construction and the standard gauge railway project. There are six cement manufacturers you should look into: Bamburi, Athi River, East Africa Portland, Savannah, National and Mombasa Cement. Sanghi and Dangote are also likely to enter the job market. If these firms have a good year, they will be looking to hire for cement production as well as other functions
7. Equity Bank’s Non-Banking Jobs
Equity Bank has began hiring to fill positions in its soon to be launched chain of clinics across Kenya. The bank is currently hiring a chief nursing office, chief laboratory technologist, finance manager and IT manager. The ‘Equity Afia” chain will offer diagnostic services, laboratory tests, outpatient care, pharmacy dispensing, dental services and health screening. Equity will also design and sell medical packages and allow for franchising. If you are keen, you will have already noticed a proliferation of satellite clients across Kenya by major hospitals. Morocco’s Saham Group is also planning to enter the Kenyan market with a chain of medical laboratories. Jobs, jobs, jobs in all kinds of areas.
8. Short Term Work Won’t Hurt
Expect some construction-related jobs to open up following the awarding of 36 tenders by Kenya Power for the construction of substations across the country. The tenders are worth Sh10.5bn. Look to local companies NGM ltd (owned by Mastermind Tobacco) as well as Magnate Ventures for these short term jobs as other awardees are foreign countries that may import workers. Other construction jobs are to be found through the Nairobi City Council Early Child Development project that will build 97 centers. Bids have just opened but do keep ears open to learn which companies are likely to win the jobs and therefore, seek new hires.
9. Film-Industry Jobs
These are a rare, rare find. Kenya’s film industry is thought to be non-existence by most despite minting a whopping $70m a year. The Kenyan government has just announced that for the next four years, it will support the Pan-African Federation of Filmmakers by providing at total of $4million. Now go find out which companies and organizations are members of FEPACI and get those cameras rolling, filmstars!
10 SME Opportunities
Kenya’s fish industry is likely to undergo major transformation following a recent deal with the European Union dubbed Fish Trade. While details about the deal are not yet widely available, there is funding available and it will be directed towards SMEs. Barclays bank has also relaxed credit rules for SMEs seeking below Sh15m, especially those in transport and manufacturing. More credit means expansion and very likely demand for more workers. SMEs, you should note, contribute 60%+ of Kenya’s GDP and more than 80% of jobs. Do not ignore them.
The question remaining now, dear jobseeker, is whether you are equipped with the skills, attitudes and mindset necessary to beat out other applicants and secure that job.
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