DISSEMINATION OF GIG WORKERS COURSES AND LAUNCH OF MENTORSHIP PROGRAM: Skilling and Supporting Kenya’s Gig Workforce

DISSEMINATION OF GIG WORKERS COURSES AND LAUNCH OF MENTORSHIP PROGRAM: Skilling and Supporting Kenya’s Gig Workforce

We are thrilled to announce that Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) Kenya and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) that implements the Gig Economy global project under the Digital Transformation Center (DTC) in Kenya are jointly implementing a new program —Dissemination of Skills Trio and Skills4Riders Courses for gig workers. This partnership will also scale up the existing Mentorship Program.

The emergence and evolution of the gig economy in Kenya presents a need for gig workers to continuously upskill to navigate platforms effectively and make informed decisions.  DOT Kenya in collaboration with GIZ, through the Skills Trio and Skills4Riders project, is addressing this need and supporting Kenya’s gig workers by offering engaging and accessible skills development on the global e-learning platform- atingi. 

Enrolment for the two course bundles will begin in March 2024, and over a period of six months, it is expected that 6,000 gig workers will enrol for the two courses, which are designed to boost their professional capabilities, enable them unlock more opportunities and teach them how to negotiate for fair working conditions. The atingi courses come in four bundles. First, we have the introduction part on, ‘Navigating the Gig Economy,’ followed by the Skills Trio which includes; Financial Literacy, Digital Skills and Soft Skills. The third bundle entails Skills4Riders, which covers four topics: Financial Literacy, Digital Literacy, Customer Service Orientation and Road safety. The final bundle encompasses online and web-based tools to inform workers about in-demand skills and credentials, living wages and their rights.

While the gig economy has created a wealth of opportunities, it has also exacerbated existing inequalities, particularly the gender digital divide. Women are often disproportionately impacted due to lack of access to digital tools as well as limited access to the internet. The triple burden on women further limits their ability to create time for upskilling. This expands the inequality curve within the gig economy and makes it difficult for women gig workers to tap into these opportunities and maximise their potential. Through our innovative mentorship program we address this issue, where women gig workers are paired with experienced mentors using a peer to peer learning approach. This not only equips them with invaluable support and guidance, but also empowers them to navigate the gig economy and unlock their full potential.

The fourth industrial revolution has led to rapid technology advancement which will inevitably shape the future of work. Since the COVID 19 pandemic, the gig economy has witnessed exponential growth and a preferred choice for youth and women looking for new opportunities online.  Continuous learning and self-development is essential for a gig worker to stand out in the increasingly competitive market. Our innovative Gig Workers Courses Dissemination and Mentorship Program empowers gig workers with essential skills that will catapult them to the next level.

The dynamic nature of the gig economy necessitates collaboration. We invite platform owners to join us in empowering Kenya’s gig workforce. By partnering with us, you get a chance to make a real difference in countless lives by equipping workers with the tools they need to thrive. You will also gain valuable insights, accessing data and trends within the dynamic Kenyan gig economy, and also contribute to an inclusive future for gig workers. Together, we can create a powerful ripple effect that benefits gig workers, businesses, and the Kenyan economy.

We invite gig workers to dive into the courses on the atingi site and begin taking advantage of the free, exciting, and accessible courses! Discover your potential and learn how to become a better and informed gig worker. Whether you are a rider who connects with clients through apps, delivery service provider, virtual assistance or someone who accesses contractual/short-term jobs through online platforms, this is your chance. 

About the project partners: 

Digital Transformation Center, Kenya (DTC)

The DTC is an initiative implemented in Kenya by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union through the German Development Cooperation. It was commissioned in early 2023 to support the country’s digital transition towards a sustainable and human-centred digital economy and society. For more information, email dtc-kenya@giz.de