By Joshua Otieno | May 1, 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA — The Government has announced that 822,100 new jobs were created in 2025, even as it issued fresh warnings over rising water levels in major dams following ongoing heavy rains.
Speaking during Episode 26 of the “Sema na Spox: Bonga na Gava” forum held at Harambee Annex, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said total employment increased from 20.8 million in 2024 to 21.6 million in 2025.
Mwaura noted that the majority of the new jobs were generated within the informal sector, which accounted for over 87 percent of the growth.
“The government remains committed to creating opportunities, especially through sectors that directly impact ordinary Kenyans,” he said.
The construction sector emerged as a key driver of employment, recording a 6.8 percent expansion after recovering from a slowdown in 2024. The growth has been largely attributed to ongoing affordable housing projects and the resumption of major road construction works across the country.
At the same time, the government raised concern over the impact of heavy rains currently being experienced in several regions.
Mwaura reported that water levels in dams along the Tana River cascade—including Masinga, Kamburu, Kindaruma, Gitaru, and Kiambere—have risen significantly due to heavy inflows from the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya catchment areas.
As of Thursday morning, Kiambere Dam had already spilled, with water levels exceeding maximum capacity by 41 centimetres.
Residents in downstream areas, particularly in Garissa and Tana River counties, have been urged to move to higher ground to avoid potential flooding.
Authorities say they are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating response efforts to mitigate risks posed by the ongoing rains.
