DOI: 10.12688/openresafrica.16307.2 ISSN: 2752-6925

Addressing supply side constraints for digital work creation: A Concurrent Embedded Mixed Method Study in Kenya

Kellen Kiambati, Ehud Gachugu, Anne Kariuki
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Background This paper addresses a pathway for addressing high unemployment among educated and skilled youth. The supply-side constraints limiting participation in dignified digital work remain underexplored. The aim was to examine how access to infrastructure, training and mentorship, and awareness creation influence engagement in digital work, and how demographic factors moderate these relationships. Methods A mixed-methods concurrent design was used, combining quantitative data from a cross-sectional survey with qualitative insights gathered through focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Results Findings indicate variations in awareness of digital work, training and mentorship access, infrastructure access, and engagement across all demographic categories. Gender showed a negative correlation with infrastructure access and awareness but did not significantly relate to training and mentorship or engagement. Region, setting, age, education, and occupation all significantly correlated with digital work engagement and access levels. Moderation analysis revealed that demographic factors except gender and occupation strengthened the relationship between infrastructure access and engagement in digital work. Only regional diversity enhanced the relationship between training/mentorship and engagement, indicating generally equitable access across other demographic groups. Awareness levels and engagement were strengthened by region, setting, age, occupation, and education, but not by gender, demonstrating balanced gender influence. Overall, training and mentorship programs exhibited the most balanced implementation across demographics, while gender mainstreaming efforts appear to be yielding positive outcomes. Conclusions The study found that work initiatives must integrate demographic considerations into the design of infrastructure, training, mentorship, and awareness programs. It make contribution by providing new evidence to guide policymakers in developing targeted interventions that expand dignified digital work opportunities as a strategy for reducing unemployment.

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