Ministry of Labour and Social Protection

Blessed Madaraka Day!

Day three of the KDI–World Bank AFE Labor Academy in Seoul focused on integrated approaches to employment, skills development, entrepreneurship, and social protection, with delegates undertaking a series of practical site visits across South Korea’s capital.

Visited Korea’s Employment and Welfare Plus enter, where we explored how digital platforms such as Employment 24 are transforming public employment services through efficient job matching, career counselling, and improved access to labour market opportunities.

At Seoul National University of Science and Technology, we also explored industry-linked vocational training, on-the-job learning, and university-based startup incubation programmes that are helping bridge the gap between education and enterprise development.

This experiences provided valuable insights for Kenya as the country continues to strengthen youth employment and social protection systems through coordinated institutions and programmes.

Key initiatives we highlighted include the National Employment Authority’s role in labour market coordination and employment services, as well as programmes such as the Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP), the New Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund.

Eid Mubarak

Day 2 – KDI-WB AFE Labor Academy, Seoul

Principal Secretary for Social Protection Joseph Motari Joined by his colleague Principal Secretaries Shadrack Mwadime and Susan Mang’eni explored practical models for youth employment, skills development, and AI-driven labor market systems.

The discussions reinforced Kenya’s ongoing efforts under the Economic Inclusion Programme (EIP) through the Kenya Social Economic Inclusion Program (KSEIP), which combines social protection with skills training, financial literacy, mentorship, and financial support to help vulnerable youth and women transition into sustainable livelihoods.

These engagements continue to provide valuable lessons to strengthen Kenya’s inclusive growth and employment agenda.

Day 2 – KDI-WB AFE Labor Academy, Seoul

Today marked the second day forbthe Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary, Shadrack Mwadime in Seoul, South Korea.
Together with fellow Principal Secretaries and development partners, we engaged in insightful discussions on innovative labour market systems, youth employment strategies, and digital approaches to workforce development.

A key highlight was Korea’s integration of AI-driven employment services, skills profiling, and entrepreneurship support frameworks aimed at preparing young people for the future of work.

The lessons shared will greatly support Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen labour systems, expand decent work opportunities for youth, and enhance social protection programmes for vulnerable populations.

We remain committed to building inclusive policies that promote productivity, dignity of work, and sustainable livelihoods for all Kenyans.

Shadrack Mwadime, CBS, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Labour and Skills Development and Joseph Motari, Principal Secretary for Social Protection are currently in Seoul, South Korea, taking part in the KDI–World Bank Capacity Building Program on Jobs for Youth in Africa.

Together with peers from across the continent, the two Principal Secretaries are engaging in conversations that focus on real solutions for youth employment, skills development, social protection and stronger labour market systems. Kenya is sharing its ongoing labour reforms and skills initiatives while also learning from Ethiopia’s apprenticeship model and Korea’s effective employment services.

This exchange of ideas will help strengthen the country’s efforts to create meaningful jobs, empower young people with the right skills, and modernize labour systems for a more inclusive future.

KINDLY NOTE