The construction industry in Nairobi, commonly known as mjengo, is facing a significant workforce shortage, as an increasing number of young people, particularly from the Gen-Z demographic, turn their backs on physically demanding jobs in favor of digital-based economic activities. Jobs such as carrying bricks and mixing mortar, which once attracted a steady stream of workers, are now largely left to older generations and millennials.
Juma Kizito, a seasoned mason with over 25 years of experience, describes the situation as worrying. He points out that many young people no longer see the value in hard labor, especially when the pay, around Ksh 250 a day, is barely enough to cover basic needs. “Most young people today don’t want these hard jobs,” Juma says, highlighting the stark contrast between the physical work required in mjengo and the allure of online ventures offering quicker, less strenuous financial returns.
The shift towards online economic activities, such as content creation, Forex trading, and cryptocurrency investments, reflects the broader generational trend where the digital economy is becoming the go-to path for many youth. Moses Okoko, a third-year university student, explains that his peers are increasingly engaged in digital hustles like trading meme coins and participating in innovative online platforms like World Coin, which recently attracted a large number of university students in Kenya.
Philemon Origi, who works as a manual laborer on construction sites, confirms that the younger generation shows little interest in continuing traditional labor jobs. “Occasionally, one or two Gen-Zs try their hand at mjengo, but they rarely return the following day,” he says. This trend is exacerbated by a general decline in formal employment opportunities and the expansion of the informal sector, which now absorbs a significant portion of Kenya’s labor force.
With a youth unemployment rate of 67% among those aged 15-34, and many entering the labor market without sufficient skills, the demand for easier, more lucrative digital jobs is undeniable. As the digital economy continues to grow, it is clear that the future of work in Kenya may look very different from the past, with Gen-Zs leading the charge in reshaping labor trends.
