David Ndii: Digitalization to slash payroll jobs, calls on Kenyans to embrace gig economy

Presidential Council of Economic Advisors Chairperson David Ndii has cautioned Kenyans to prepare for a major shake-up in the job market as digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) threaten to wipe out thousands of payroll jobs.

In a statement on Saturday, Ndii said formal employment, which accounts for just 15 per cent of Kenya’s workforce, faces sharp decline as AI transforms industries. He cited the banking sector, where technology has drastically cut jobs over the past decade.

“I have news for you. Payroll jobs are 15 per cent of Kenya’s workforce. Digitization and Artificial Intelligence will eat 50 per cent of those. In 2050, 90 per cent of employment will be gig jobs,” he warned.

Ndii urged Kenyans to embrace short-term contract work, or gig jobs, saying the shift will dominate the economy by 2040.

His warning comes amid mounting concerns over exploitation in the gig sector, following reports that AI job platforms recruit workers under false promises of pay, with many Kenyans left doing little or no meaningful work.

Investigations have revealed that some AI companies recruit in bulk to inflate workforce numbers and secure contracts, leaving thousands of digital workers without income.