Data and AI jobs in Kenya accounted for 36 percent, nearly triple the levels found in most European countries (10 to 14 percent), with fewer entry-level postings currently at 42 percent.
A survey by Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Global Partnership Hub in Nairobi and the Trends and Insights from Africa (TIFA) Research Limited, shows that Kenya’s tech talent pool is locally recruited most at entry levels where demand is high but pay lean.
The report indicates that Kenya is quite big on AI and coding thanks to startups and, outsourcing, but for it to create job opportunities for its young ICT experts to meet Germany’s demand, it must uphold certifications, language, and formal experience.
“Programming and Software Development dominate the tech job market in every country. Regardless of the region or economy, software skills are in the highest demand globally,” the joint survey shows.
While job opportunities seem to be concentrated in Programming, Software Development, and Data and AI, European countries have a fairly diversified structure spanning DevOps, IT Support, Project and Product Management, Cybersecurity, with strong demand across all levels.
“Germany leads Europe in DevOps and Infrastructure (at 16 percent), nearly double the average in most other European countries (between 8–11 percent). This suggests Germany’s IT sector may be more focused on operational and system-level roles,” says the survey.
Germany is a premium IT market, the survey shows, offering the highest pay across nearly all ICT categories, particularly advanced roles such as project management, DevOps, and UI/UX design.
Kenya on the other hand, consistently pays more than India, positioning itself as a mid-cost option—less attractive to firms seeking the cheapest labor but competitive for those prioritizing quality and cultural alignment. India remains the lowest-cost market, though its lower salary base may limit perceptions of senior talent depth.
Overall, the three markets reflect a clear hierarchy: Germany as high-cost, Kenya as mid-cost with quality potential, and India as the low-cost hub.
“Kenya’s ICT workforce must upskill beyond basic and intermediary skills, specialize in high-demand roles, and position itself as a mid-cost, high-quality outsourcing hub—striking the right balance between India’s low-cost advantage and Germany’s premium salary market,” TIFA Research CEO Maggie Ireri, says.
Germany’s advanced market reflects its higher cost base, while India remains attractive for low-cost outsourcing despite quality and cultural gaps. Kenya’s blend of affordability, skills, and compatibility makes it a strategic outsourcing partner for German firms seeking cost savings without compromising service quality.
The study recommends that Kenya optimizes on its mid-cost competitiveness in race for available IT jobs, use Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies as oversight, quality and salary gatekeepers, and to equip her workers with practical and verifiable, in-demand technical skills for both global and local job market needs.
