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Transforming Kenya’s Digital Economy: New Toolkit Offers Policy Roadmap To Reform The Gig Economy And Impact Millions Of Workers A groundbreaking new toolkit, developed in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, eMobilis Technology Institute, and Africa Practice, offers a comprehensive roadmap to reform Kenya’s gig economy and create a more equitable and sustainable sector for over one million workers and businesses alike.  The new toolkit, titled “A Policy Guide for Digital Economy Progress,” is the culmination of extensive research and engagement with key stakeholders in the gig and digital economy. It offers a detailed policy proposal to address the pressing challenges faced by digitally delivering gig workers and promote the sector’s growth and development. Formally recognized in 2007 under Kenya Vision 2030, Kenya’s gig economy significantly contributes to the overall GDP of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, increasing from 1.4 percent in 2017 to 2.4 percent in 2021. Currently, 1.2 million workers, most of whom operate within the informal sector, are employed in the gig economy. With the sector’s annual value estimated at USD 109 million, gig work has become a cornerstone of the digital economy. However, despite this growth, gigworkers face numerous obstacles,  algorithmic bias on global platforms to limited legal protections in Kenya. “A Policy Guide for Digital Economy Progress” offers actionable recommendations to help Kenya’s gig economy reach its full potential. The toolkit uses a systems-change approach to strengthening and leveraging the connection between labour protection and a conducive environment for businesses, such as digital labour platforms and business-process-outsourcing enterprises. It proposes five key interventions, including the establishment of a tripartite forum to set industry standards and a multi-purpose gig worker registration platform. The guide also emphasises the need for legal reforms to improve protections for gig workers under the Employment Act 2007 and other labour laws, while incentivising businesses to invest in dignified gig work. “As a leader in digital skills training, we see firsthand the transformative power of Kenya’s gig economy. This guide provides a clear pathway to create an environment where gig workers can access better opportunities, and where businesses can invest with confidence in this rapidly growing sector,” said Ken Mwenda, eMobilis Managing Director and Co-founder. Muchemi Wambugu – Resident, Digital Economy Mastercard Foundation delivering a keynote address. The guide has been developed through extensive research and engagement with over 190 stakeholders, including gig workers, job providers, and policymakers. Their voices and insights have shaped this policy proposal, ensuring that it reflects the needs and aspirations of those most affected by the sector’s development.     Ken Mwenda, Co-founder &

Mastercard Foundation launches Roadmap to reform Gig Economy

Mastercard Foundation launches Roadmap to reform Gig Economy

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