Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has suggested that the traditional workplace culture of suits and ties may soon become obsolete as younger generations push for greater flexibility and modern approaches to work.
Speaking during the opening of the Africa Employers Summit 2025 at Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, Kindiki noted that today’s youth are reshaping the employment landscape by prioritising productivity and results over rigid dress codes and outdated norms.
“The era of ties and suit-wearing workers could be coming to an end,” said the Deputy President. “The message is that you do not need to be in a suit and tie to be productive.”
Kindiki explained that this cultural shift reflects wider demographic and economic trends across Africa. The continent currently has the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, with more than 400 million people aged between 15 and 35—a figure projected to reach 1 billion by 2063.
While describing Africa’s youth as a “tremendous asset,” Kindiki also cautioned that their potential could be undermined by persistent unemployment. He warned that the lack of adequate job and income opportunities has already fueled unrest in some countries and is leading to the misuse of digital platforms.
“Some of them turn to social media platforms not for e-commerce or job opportunities, but to spread hate messages,” he remarked.
The Africa Employers Summit, running from September 8–9, 2025, has brought together government officials, business leaders, employer organisations, and international institutions to deliberate on Africa’s employment challenges and opportunities.
