ELDORET, Kenya, Dec 4 — EldoHub, in partnership with Athletics Kenya and the British High Commission, used this year’s TechRun 2025 summit to highlight Kenya’s growing digital skills shortage as it graduated more than 150 trainees from its technology and innovation programmes.
The graduates were trained in software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, AI readiness, digital literacy and entrepreneurship — skills increasingly demanded by employers.
EldoHub Founder and CEO Chepkemoi Magdaline said the country’s youth must be equipped to compete in a rapidly digitising economy.
“Our graduates represent the creativity and ambition shaping Kenya’s future. By building digital and business skills, we are preparing a generation able to innovate and compete globally,” she said.
Recent studies show the shortage is widening.
A BrighterMonday–Mastercard Foundation report indicates 62.1% of employers see a major mismatch between graduate skills and market needs, particularly in specialised areas. A 2025 SAP survey also found that 86% of Kenyan firms cite cybersecurity as their biggest skills gap, followed by cloud computing (79%) and AI skills (43%).
The consequences are visible: 78% of companies report heavier pressure on existing staff, while 72% say the shortage limits new projects.
British High Commission officials said partnerships such as TechRun are critical in boosting Kenya’s talent pipeline.
“The skills you’ve gained go beyond technical training — they represent confidence and opportunity. We are proud to support the work preparing Kenya’s digital future,” said Colin Sykes, the Commission’s Science, Innovation, Tech & Digital Counsellor.
The summit also featured the NikoBiz entrepreneurship programme, which has trained more than 800 small business owners across Kenya in enterprise development and financial literacy.
Athletics Kenya said the cross-sector collaboration — linking sport and innovation — reflects the country’s evolving approach to youth development.
“Eldoret is the home of champions, and combining athletics with digital innovation is a powerful way to inspire excellence,” said Barnabas Korir, first vice president of the National Olympic Committee and a senior Athletics Kenya official.
TechRun 2025 attracted more than 3,000 participants, including athletes, innovators, investors, and government representatives. The three-day event featured an AI showcase, investor pitches, and digital innovation awards.
