Kenya's outsourcing sector: Emergent and accelerating

A recent AFP article asked "Can Kenya attract the outsourcing jobs of the AI future?" - framing the country's BPO sector emerging. The data tells a complimentary story: Kenya's outsourcing industry isn't just appearing on the global stage, it's rapidly accelerating its ascent.

New analysis reveals how Kenya's $709 million Global Business Services (BPO + ITO) sector is now strategically positioned for high-value services through initiatives like KenInvest’s prioritization of the sector and the formation of the Outsourcing Alliance of Kenya (OAK). With 36,394 formal jobs already created and a clear pathway to 100,000+ positions by 2030, Kenya is demonstrating how developing economies can leapfrog traditional outsourcing destinations.

Three pillars of competitive advantage

Talent pipeline: Kenya's 642,000+ B2-level English speakers, including a tech-savvy youth population (30% aged 18-34), are being systematically matched to global demand through demand-led skilling programmes.

Next-generation infrastructure: The country's 95% renewable energy grid and multiple undersea fiber optic cables provide both sustainability and connectivity advantages that appeal to ESG-conscious multinationals.

Cost-quality proposition: Kenya offers a cost advantage over traditional outsourcing hubs while demonstrating rapidly improving service quality metrics in CX and IT-enabled services.

Strategic interventions driving growth

Genesis’s partnership with OAK has been instrumental in transforming Kenya's potential into structured growth. Our market intelligence identifies skills gaps, while strengthening local demand-aligned skillers’ organisational capacity.

"Where others see an emerging market, we see a future leader in AI-enabled services," says Jonathan Beardsley, Head of Digital Livelihoods at Genesis. "Kenya's talent isn't just competing on cost, they're mastering complex digital workflows that will define the next decade of outsourcing."

Kenya's outsourcing story isn't about potential, it's about measurable, accelerating growth. As global companies diversify their service locations post-pandemic, Kenya's combination of talent, infrastructure and strategic vision positions it not as an alternative, but as a future leader in high-value outsourcing services.