As 2026 begins, anxiety over job security is growing among Kenyan workers. While both the local and global economy show signs of recovery and productivity continues to improve, stable employment is becoming increasingly uncertain for many.
If you’re worried about losing your job this year, you’re not alone. A December 2025 Infotrak poll revealed that 15 per cent of Kenyans fear retrenchment in 2026.
At the same time, surveys of business leaders paint an even bleaker picture, with nearly six out of ten companies planning layoffs in the coming year.
Employers cite sustained economic pressure and the rapid adoption of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) as the main drivers behind workforce reductions.
Below are the key reasons many workers may be vulnerable—and what can be done to survive potential job losses.
1. Rapid Adoption of AI at the Workplace
In 2026, companies are no longer debating whether to use AI—they are fully implementing it to boost efficiency and cut costs.
Rather than carrying out large-scale layoffs, many organizations are quietly merging multiple roles into one, using AI tools to handle the additional workload.
Clerical, secretarial, and basic administrative roles are among the most affected, as AI now performs tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and customer support with minimal human input.
2. Widening Skills Gap
The lifespan of technical skills has shortened dramatically, with many now becoming outdated within five years. Workers who have not upgraded their skills since 2021 may already be operating at a disadvantage.
Ironically, high-earning employees are facing greater risk, as companies seek to reduce costs by replacing expensive middle-management staff with AI-skilled junior workers who can deliver similar results at a lower cost.
A September 2025 survey revealed that 46 per cent of business leaders targeted employees lacking AI-related skills during downsizing.
3. Results-Based Performance Takes Priority
Attendance alone is no longer enough. With hybrid work models and digital productivity tracking becoming standard, employers now demand clear, measurable results.
In 2026, employees who cannot demonstrate their direct contribution to company growth are increasingly viewed as cost burdens rather than valuable assets—making them prime candidates for retrenchment.
4. Economic and Regulatory Pressure in Kenya
Locally, businesses are under pressure from high taxation, strict compliance requirements, and rising operating costs.
Enhanced digital monitoring by the Kenya Revenue Authority and new tax measures are forcing many small and medium enterprises to automate internal operations instead of hiring staff.
Additionally, climate-related risks, including fears of a possible 2026 drought, are pushing firms to freeze recruitment and adopt aggressive cost-cutting strategies.
How to Become “Unfireable” in 2026
To stay relevant and protect your income, experts recommend the following strategies:
Focus on results, not tasks – measurable impact matters more than workload.
Master applied AI – use tools like Gemini and similar platforms to increase efficiency up to tenfold.
Strengthen human-only skills – empathy, negotiation, leadership, and crisis management remain irreplaceable by machines.
Diversify your income – side hustles are no longer optional; they are financial safety nets.
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