Estimated to grow to the value of US $ billions by 2030, retail sector is one of the most rapidly growing sectors in Kenya. Organised retail chains are still at its infancy and occupies a market share of less than double digits per cent vis-à-vis the unorganized, family owned retail outlets. Moreover, the entry of new players in the retail sector has triggered the biggest controversy of the recent times in the form of protest from unorganized retailers.
With the exceptional and the unusual pace of growth in the retailing sector, a major benefit to the Kenyan economy is the rate at which the employment opportunities or jobs are being created in the sector.
The sector is witnessing a trend similar to what became popular for the IT and the BPO sector in terms of the creation of jobs. It would be appropriate to say that it's raining jobs in the retail sector.
The recent years have seen numerous Kenyan and foreign big players like Nakumatt, Wal-Mart, Uchumi etc entering and expanding in the Kenyan market. Keeping pace with its rapid expansion plans, Nakumattand Uchumi have been big recruiter more with thousands of people as their workers,the upward trend is expected by the year 2030. Similarly, Tusker Mattress is expected not to be left behind too in this regard.Simply there is promising future from these big retail giants people for its retail business in the next couple of years .The organised retail sector has also seen its employee base increasing from thousands to billions in the last couple of years. It has been estimated that the organised sector will create more than a million jobs and the unorganized sector is expected to add aprox. The same million jobs to the Kenyan economy by 2030. Ironically, the challenge the sector currently facing is about acquiring and retaining the right talent.
The high attrition rates have already become a matter of concern for the HR professionals of the industry. The current attrition rate in the industry ranges from 31 percent to 55 percent. Many big players in the industry are projecting and offering the opportunities with them as a career with attractive salary packages inclusive of various other benefits like certification for the training and development, insurance schemes, short and long term growth prospects etc. all this has helped to make the jobs in the sector - not just a job but a career!
Types of jobs
The sector has vacancies from the entry level to senior management level. From front-end sales personnel to technology experts, from HR to supply chain, business development, from research to product development and marketing, the sector is facing a deficiency of skilled and experienced professionals, especially at the middle and the senior level management. The Kenyan retailers are conducting fast paced and aggressive recruitment for various key roles.
Front end jobs
The most lucrative option (part time as well as full time) for the youth is the front-end jobs in the retail outlets like the malls etc. Sales executives, Store manager / Assistant Store managers, Retail manager helps coordinating the day-to-day operations of the store and interacting with the customers. The average starting salary in the retail industry is Ksh 3,000 per month, with the bracket extending from Ksh 6,000 to Ksh 15,000.the incentives offered (many-a times as much as 20% of a single purchase) also act as an attraction for the job seekers.
Flexi-jobs
The retail sector has a 365-day and a 24*7 working schedule. Realizing the manpower shortage, the sector also offer opportunities for homemakers and the people who want to work for less number of hours in a day or have the option of flexible working hours. Recently some organisations have started hiring women professionals to work part time and on flexi-time option. Hiring in contract basis for a specified amount of time is also gaining momentum in the sector.
The retail sector and the jobs in the sector have emerged as much more than just managing the store outlets. In today's global scenario with MNC's being the major players, students have the option of crossing over to explore diverse fields and markets.
Institutes offering retail courses
Both the number of institutes offering specialized courses in retail and the students showing interests in these courses is on rise. There is also an increase in the number of retail management programmes and institutes. Keeping in mind the increasing gap between the demand and supply of the professionals in the retail sector, many big retail players have started their own institutes to bridge the gap.
The Retailers Association of Kenya should be also starting conducting a competitive course in the same related field rather than just employment, The programme should be offered through our, colleges and Business schools chosen across the country. Such specialized programs help to impart knowledge and an understanding of the concepts and processes involved in retailing. They also equip the students with the required skills (technical, operational and conceptual) to make a successful career in the sector.
Apart from the existing players, many foreign players are planning to enter and tap the Kenyan retail markets. Therefore, the sector is all set to see various new records in terms of the creation of employment. It is and will provide ample opportunities in all fields in the retail sector and has become a lucrative option for the job seekers. It would be appropriate to conclude that it is raining jobs in the retail sector!!
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