Kenya has undertaken a significant modernization of the National Employment Authority Integrated Management System (NEAIMS), transforming it into an inclusive and accessible online portal for public employment services (PES). This overhaul aims to create a more efficient, user-friendly platform that meets the needs of all jobseekers, including vulnerable groups.
Supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the NEAIMS upgrade involved creating a system design framework, developing appropriate software, and acquiring essential hardware. These developments have resulted in a partially operational platform with early signs of sustainability and alignment with the NEA Strategic Plan.
The platform features accessibility enhancements such as assistive technologies, including adjustable font sizes for users with visual impairments. It now operates via a browser-based interface, enabling access to both local and international job opportunities through mobile phones and computers.
Internal evaluations show that 76% of early users find the platform easy to use. To ensure smooth implementation and management, NEA employment officers were trained extensively. The training covered platform use, public employment service methodologies, and advisory skills, resulting in a comprehensive training manual and a team capable of training future users.
These developments aim to address Kenya’s high unemployment rates, especially among those in vulnerable situations. Although full implementation is still underway, the project has received committed support through dedicated budget allocations, inclusion in NEA performance contracts, and the recruitment of 129 additional officers.
Financial backing came from the Ministry of Employment and Labour of the Republic of Korea. In August 2023, a Kenyan delegation visited South Korea to learn about inclusive employment practices, services for persons with disabilities, and partnerships with local authorities. Lessons from this visit have been incorporated into Kenya’s NEA Strategic Plan (2023–2027).
To sustain and build on this progress, the ILO will continue supporting Kenyan public officials through a new initiative in partnership with Korea University of Technology and Education (KOREATECH), promoting ongoing innovation and international collaboration in employment services.
