Kenyatta University, Nairobi – March 6, 2025
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, who also serves as Chairperson of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre – Eastern Africa (GTRCMC-EA), officially launched seven Strategic Human Capital Initiatives for Eastern Africa at Kenyatta University Conference Centre (KUCC) on March 6, 2025.
At the core of the launch was the Top Talent Initiative, dubbed, the Kenya Employment Initiative (KEI), a groundbreaking programme aimed at equipping Eastern African youth with digital skills, global work experience, and employment opportunities with U.S.-based companies. This initiative seeks to bridge the employment gap by fostering international collaborations, offering digital job placements, and strengthening industry-academia partnerships. Representing the Top Talent Initiative was Ms Andie Monet, who is the CEO of Strategic Solutions & Development, and Dr Juma Nashon, the CEO of Global Partners and Purpose.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Rebecca Miano emphasized the transformative power of the Top Talent Initiative in preparing young professionals for a rapidly evolving job market. “This programme will not only expand professional
networks but also provide valuable global experience, ensuring our youth are equipped to compete and thrive in the international workforce,” she stated. She further reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing youth
empowerment as a key pillar of national development.
The Top Talent Initiative will facilitate recruitment for roles such as graphic design, video editing, website development, journalism, and virtual assistance, among others. In addition, comprehensive training programmes will be offered to hundreds of Kenyatta University students in fields such as artificial intelligence, IT, and digital advertising through guest lectures, online training modules, and international mentorship opportunities.
Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University, and the Secretary of GTRCMC-EA, expressed pride in the university’s role in shaping future leaders. “At Kenyatta University, we are committed to fostering
innovation and global competitiveness. The Top Talent Initiative provides our students with invaluable practical skills, international exposure, and income-generating opportunities while still in school,” she stated. She reaffirmed the university’s dedication to forming strategic partnerships that enhance youth employability and career development.
In addition to the Top Talent Initiative, other initiatives launched include:
- East Africa Future Leaders Challenge – A programme fostering youth leadership and innovation.
Placement International Programme – Offering paid internships in the U.S. - Erasmus+ Exchange Programme – Promoting global mobility and professional exchange.
- Innovation Centers of Excellence (I.C.E.) – Encouraging strategic thinking and creativity.
- IATA Authorized Training Center – Introducing world-class aviation and tourism training.
- Mapping of Tourism Products and Experiences – Enhancing destination development in Eastern Africa.
The launch marks a transformative step in empowering Eastern Africa’s workforce, ensuring young professionals are globally competitive, innovative, and future-ready. With strong collaboration between government, academia,
and industry leaders, the region is set to bridge the skills gap and enhance its global workforce footprint.
For media inquiries, please contact:
GTRCMC-EA Communications Office
Email: gtrcmc-ea@ku.ac.ke
Phone: +254 721 257 133
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