The number of advertised jobs in the country has fallen by over half since the first COVID-19 case was reported on March 13, 2020, reeking of tough times ahead for job seekers who were already struggling with slim chances of employment even before the outbreak of the disease.
According to a report released by jobs aggregator BrighterMonday Kenya, the drop in jobs between April and July stands at 58% even as the country continues to report more COVID-19 cases. It is expected that job listings will continue to fall as the country’s caseload continues to rise.
While tourism and aviation continue to be listed as the most affected sectors of the economy, other sectors are bleeding jobs as well due to linkages in the economy.
BrighterMonday estimates that the country has lost 1 million jobs since the first case as companies continue to shut down, retrench, or send employees on unpaid leave.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the employment sector hard across the world with job losses being recorded in millions. The Kenyan job market has not been spared by the scourge,” said BrighterMonday Kenya CEO, Emmanuel Mutuma.
“There has been a drop in the number of jobs advertised on BrighterMonday and other job aggregators as COVID-19 took hold and lockdown measures were implemented,” he said.
According to the report, job listings in hospitality and travel, building, and architecture dwindled over virus mitigation measures including intercounty movement restrictions dropping by 47 and 75 percent respectively.
Consulting services, social services and project management also recorded declines.
The situation is not all gloom though essential services recorded a increase in job listings.
Healthcare and safety posted significant upward adjustments by 700% while trade and farming posted 327% and 170% increases respectively.
Real estate also posted an increase in job listings by 125% mainly because Kenyans are disposing of properties in order to stay liquid.
