Employers in the banking sector have revealed that they will hire employees in 2025.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) 2025 Market Perceptions Survey, the banking sector is expected to be the biggest driver of employment in 2025.
The report highlights that 35 per cent of banks confirmed they ‘definitely will’ hire, with another 43 per cent stating they ‘probably will’, making it the most optimistic sector for job seekers.
The surveys included commercial banks, microfinance banks, and a representative sample of non-bank private sector firms while the selected non-bank firms were drawn from key urban centres across the country, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nyeri, Meru, and Kisii.
Further, CBK noted that these firms represent sectors that collectively contribute approximately 78 percent of the GDP.
Also, the survey covers a wide range of industries, including agriculture, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, trade, hotels and restaurants, information and communications technology (ICT), transport, real estate, health, building and construction, as well as finance and insurance.
Also Read: CBK Lowers Interest Rates on Loans Again, Puts Exploitative Banks on Notice
Why Banks Will be the Top Employers in 2025
The expected growth in banking jobs is attributed to branch expansion, business growth, and the introduction of new financial products.
Additionally, the rise of digital banking and fintech innovations has increased demand for professionals specializing in customer experience, risk management, and financial technology.
While 21 percent of manufacturing employers and 14 percent of agricultural businesses expect to increase hiring, the majority remain cautious due to economic uncertainties.
Sectors that Will Not be Hiring
42 percent of manufacturers and 36 percent of agricultural firms indicated they ‘probably won’t’ hire, citing cost-cutting measures, fluctuating demand, and increased automation as key concerns.
At the same time, the trade and construction sectors present mixed hiring expectations.
Half of the surveyed employers in both industries indicated that they “probably won’t” be hiring, while others stated that recruitment will depend on business performance and economic conditions.
The transport and hospitality industries also exhibited limited hiring optimism. 52 percent of transport sector respondents and 60 percent of hospitality businesses indicated they will likely reduce hiring or maintain current staff levels, mainly due to profitability concerns and the need to cut operational costs.
For job seekers, digital banking, fintech, and specialized skill sets in business growth areas will likely offer the most promising opportunities.
However, industries facing economic uncertainties may require professionals to adapt to changing market conditions to remain competitive in the job market.
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