Genesis in Kenya: A decade of impact, a future of possibility

A decade ago, Genesis Analytics planted its flag in Kenya, driven by a belief in the nation’s profound potential. Earlier this month that belief was amplified by a gathering of leaders, partners, and thinkers as we celebrated our ten-year milestone in Nairobi, not just with reflection, but with a decisive look forward.

The event, “Genesis in Kenya: A decade of impact, a future of possibility,” fostered crucial dialogues on Kenya’s next chapter. The discussions grappled with both the immediate economic landscape and the long-term structural shifts required for inclusive growth.

Navigating the present, building for tomorrow

Dr Chris K. Kiptoo, CBS, principal secretary of the National Treasury, provided a clear assessment of the current economic climate. He outlined efforts to stabilise the economy, acknowledging periods of high living costs and “shrinking fiscal space.” Critically, he emphasised that the government's swift and targeted measures demonstrate how agility can pave the way for effective change, creating a more stable foundation for future growth.

This theme of building resilient foundations for the future was taken up by Amb Prof Julius Bitok, MBS, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, who highlighted the government's proactive embrace of technology. “We are doing everything possible to ensure our learners can catch up with technology that is coming,” he stated, emphasising the commitment to leverage AI to prepare a new generation for the demands of a global economy.

Unleashing the power of youth and talent

The dialogue, moderated by Dr Tafara Ngwaru, partner at Genesis Analytics, consistently returned to Kenya’s greatest asset: its youth. Sharmi Surianarain, Chief Impact Officer at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, championed this view, stating powerfully that “young people are the solution, not the problem.”

She pointed to the global business services sector as a critical opportunity where Kenya can “grab a slice” of the millions of jobs available globally. “Kenya punches below its weight,” Surianarain noted, highlighting the “extraordinary talent pool” that remains underutilised. She cautioned against “silver bullet thinking” that leads to “white elephants,” advocating instead for pragmatic investments that connect young people’s skills to real global demand.

The panel, featuring diverse perspectives from Phyllis Wakiaga (Tony Blair Institute), Roy Gitahi (Art at Work), Dr Sarah Magni (Genesis Analytics), Gavin Krugel (Genesis Analytics), and Jennifer Cotter Otieno (Education Design Unlimited), explored pathways from education and health to digital innovation and the creative economy, all centred on empowering Kenyan talent.

On learning and optimism

Reflecting on the journey, Stephan Malherbe, founder and chairman of Genesis Analytics, shared a poignant personal insight. 

“When I come to Nairobi, I am the one who learns,” he said. Highlighting a defining Kenyan trait, he added, “Thank you for what I have learnt here. If I could teach my children anything, it would be the power of Kenyan optimism. In an era of flux, with so much change and so many false voices, people need to know what their core beliefs are. This optimism is yours, and it is your greatest strength.”

This sentiment was echoed by Betty Maina, East Africa Director at Genesis, who earlier told attendees: “The driver of jobs for young people has to be vastly larger global demand. Kenya’s moment has arrived, but it requires a new agility and a fundamental renewal of our ambitions.”

We extend our gratitude to all who contributed to this pivotal dialogue, including our speakers and moderators:

• Dr Chris K. Kiptoo, CBS, Principal Secretary, The National Treasury
• Dr  Robert Mudida, Director of Research, Central Bank of Kenya (on behalf of the Governor of the Central Bank)
• Betty Maina, EGH, Director - East Africa, Genesis Analytics
• Stephan Malherbe, Chairman & Founder, Genesis Analytics
• Dr Tafara Ngwaru, Partner - Human Development, Genesis Analytics (Moderator)
• Amb Prof Julius Bitok, MBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education
• Dr Sarah Magni, Partner - Health, Genesis Analytics
• Phyllis Wakiaga, Global Lead, Industry and Commerce, Tony Blair Institute
• Roy Gitahi, Chairman, Art at Work
• Sharmi Surianarain, Chief Impact Officer, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
• Gavin Krugel, Partner - Digital Practice, Genesis Analytics
• Jennifer Cotter Otieno, Founder & CEO, Education Design Unlimited