Kenya Launches Inclusive Digital Job Platform to Boost Employment Access

In a major stride toward inclusive employment and digital innovation, Kenya has modernized its National Employment Authority Integrated Management System (NEAIMS)—transforming it into a dynamic, user-friendly online platform designed to connect jobseekers with opportunities at home and abroad. Backed by technical and financial support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of the Republic of Korea, the revamped NEAIMS places accessibility and equity at the core of public employment services (PES).

Launched as part of the NEA Strategic Plan 2023–2027, the upgraded system is already showing early signs of sustainability and user satisfaction. According to an internal ILO-led evaluation, 76% of early users confirmed the platform is easy to operate, citing its intuitive design and mobile compatibility.

A Technological Leap for Employment Services

The redesign of NEAIMS represents a strategic overhaul from a limited, fragmented system to an integrated, browser-based platform that can be accessed via smartphones, tablets, and computers. The platform includes assistive features such as adjustable font sizes to support users with visual impairments, demonstrating Kenya’s strong commitment to universal digital accessibility.

By streamlining access to local and international job listings, the system enhances connectivity between employers and jobseekers while reaching underrepresented populations—particularly youth, persons with disabilities, and refugees.

“Both the number of jobseekers and employers accessing NEA services has increased, and the scope of our employment services now extends to vulnerable communities, including refugees,” said Edith Okoki, Director General of the National Employment Authority (NEA).

Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer

To support the system’s functionality and long-term impact, extensive capacity-building programs were conducted for NEA employment officers. The training modules covered:

• Fundamentals of public employment service delivery

• Digital platform navigation and technical troubleshooting

• Global PES trends and advisory skills for supporting diverse jobseekers

These efforts culminated in the creation of a comprehensive training manual and the development of a core group of officers capable of training others, laying the foundation for a scalable, peer-led support model within NEA.

Institutional Support and Sustainable Investment

The modernization process was supported through a dedicated government budget allocation, integration of NEAIMS targets into staff performance contracts, and the recruitment of 129 new officers to support service delivery across the country. This investment demonstrates the government's recognition of employment services as a cornerstone of economic resilience and inclusive development.

The project received substantial financial backing from the Ministry of Employment and Labour of the Republic of Korea, whose technical expertise further shaped the NEAIMS transformation.

Global Collaboration: Learning from Korea’s Best Practices

In August 2023, a Kenyan delegation traveled to South Korea for a study visit that included engagements with ministries and institutions championing inclusive employment policies. The visit provided insights into:

• Digital tools for job-matching

• Services for persons with disabilities

• Decentralized employment initiatives and local partnerships

These learnings were subsequently integrated into Kenya’s employment service strategy, enriching the NEA Strategic Plan (2023–2027) with proven global models.

Looking ahead, the ILO is facilitating further collaboration between Kenya and the Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH). The new initiative aims to promote innovation, foster peer learning, and enhance the resilience of Kenya’s public employment infrastructure.

A Legacy of Leadership in Employment Services

Kenya’s proactive approach to public employment reform is rooted in a long history of engagement with international labor standards. The country was among the first in East Africa to ratify ILO Convention No. 88 on Public Employment Services back in 1952, and it continues to honor that legacy through innovation and global cooperation.

As NEAIMS continues to roll out new features and scale nationally, the vision is clear: every jobseeker should find meaningful work, and every employer the right talent. With strong foundations in place, Kenya is poised to become a regional leader in inclusive employment services.