Kenya: AI Will Take Some Jobs - but Create 78 Million More, Kenya's Tech Envoy Forecasts

What the report says

Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology, Phillip Thigo, said the spread of artificial intelligence is likely to reshape employment globally, with some jobs disappearing even as many more are created. In remarks reported by Capital FM and republished by AllAfrica, he said the overall effect could be a net gain of about 78 million jobs by 2030, based on figures that align with the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025.

Thigo said AI could contribute to the creation of around 170 million jobs while about 92 million could be displaced. He noted that job losses linked to new technology are not unusual, and urged workers to adapt rather than assume AI will simply replace them. He argued that people who combine their skills with AI tools are more likely to remain competitive.

The interview, aired on Capital In The Morning Show, also highlighted how AI may affect journalism and office work by helping with research, scripting and other tasks. Thigo framed the technology as a productivity tool that can improve efficiency across professions. He also called for education systems to emphasize reskilling and upskilling so current workers, teachers and students are prepared for an economy where AI is increasingly integrated into everyday work.