Like in most growing economies, Kenya’s youth comprise the largest percentage of the population. However, despite the tremendous economic growth witnessed in the country, the youth still constitute an overwhelming majority of the unemployed.
As the population expands and more young people join the job market, the consequences of youth unemployment, if left unresolved, can be detrimental. Besides retarding the nation’s potential and economic growth prospects, disenfranchised youth are highly likely to engage in crime, and, as witnessed over the last few months, be used as a tool of aggression and political unrest. Kenya’s future growth can only be secured by nurturing the youth and preparing them to take on the future with the skills necessary to keep moving the country forward.
In recognition of the youth unemployment problem, and cognizant of the attention it deserves, the Jubilee government has committed to empowering them through key interventions in education, preparation for the job market, employment, and access to finance.
The Jubilee Manifesto as articulated in the President’s Jamhuri Day address, underscores focus on job-creating sectors by prioritising manufacturing, low-cost housing, agriculture, and healthcare.The youth are set to be the greatest beneficiaries of the 6.5 million targeted jobs over the next 5 years. The manifesto which has been assimilated in the Third Medium Term Plan, and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals targets to empower the youth.
The overarching youth empowerment pipeline will begin with ensuring that the youth have the right education and skills to take on future employment. Some of the significant interventions under the Jubilee manifesto include upskilling the youth through Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), expansion, revitalisation and staffing of Technical Training Institutes; increasing Helb funds for universities and TVET; and aligning the curriculum to industry needs.
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The graduates will then be equipped for the job market through internship and apprenticeship programmes. The government has established a Youth Development Council to link youth to opportunities, and will extend tax incentives to organisations onboarding interns.
Emphasis will also be placed on equipping the National Youth Service with capacity to implement commercial projects.
The government further will invest in initiatives to improve infrastructure, nurture talent, and strengthen institutions in sports, culture, and the arts. Finally, youth who are keen on entrepreneurship will benefit from improved access to finance and affordable credit. To enhance coordination, effectiveness, and efficient service delivery, the Women’s Enterprise Fund, Uwezo, and Youth Enterprise Development Fund will be consolidated into Biashara Bank. In conclusion, achieving these objectives for the youth, and the country at large, is anchored on growing the economy and ensuring that Kenya remains a preferred investment hub in order to increase Foreign Direct Investments. The youth are therefore called upon to take advantage of the opportunities to improve their lives and contribute to nation building.
—The writer is Planning and Statistics PS
