Fuzu report reveals digital skills Kenyans lack

A recent report by online recruitment company Fuzu has revealed a significant skills gap among job seekers in Kenya. The data, gathered between January and December 2017, indicates that many job seekers lack the digital skills necessary to succeed in the current job market. Jussi Hinkkanen, Co-founder and CEO of Fuzu, explained in an interview with CNBC Africa that while job seekers possess what he calls 'staple skills,' they often lack the professional skills required by employers. The report highlights key areas where job seekers fall short, including project monitoring and implementation, research, business development, and strategic foresight. According to Hinkkanen, the skills that employers once took for granted, such as office tools, email and internet proficiency, social media usage, and confidence, are now undervalued in the current job market. He emphasizes that employers are increasingly seeking candidates with more technical and specialized skills, which are often acquired through practical experience or short-term courses. The report identifies specific skill gaps across junior, mid-tier, and senior roles. In junior positions, the widest gaps were found in project monitoring and implementation, as well as research. Hinkkanen notes that the ability to conduct detailed and thorough research, a skill that is essential for many roles, is often lacking among job seekers. He points out the importance of acquiring core skills through practical experience or specialized training. Moving on to mid-tier roles, the report highlights a demand for skills in business development, particularly in sales positions. Employers are now seeking candidates with technical skills related to sales, such as using customer relationship management tools and analytics solutions. Hinkkanen emphasizes the shift towards more specialized and technical skills in these roles. In the senior roles category, the report reveals a significant gap in business strategy. Hinkkanen explains that many companies lack the ability to conduct proper strategic foresight, which is essential for setting growth objectives and identifying the talent needed to achieve them. He notes that companies have historically operated with traditional methods and are now faced with the challenge of adapting to global ways of working. Overall, the Fuzu report underscores the importance of ongoing skills development and training for job seekers in Kenya. In a rapidly evolving job market, where technical and specialized skills are increasingly valued, it is crucial for job seekers to invest in acquiring the professional skills demanded by employers. Hinkkanen encourages job seekers to seek out opportunities for practical experience and specialized training to bridge the skills gap and enhance their competitiveness in the job market.