Coronavirus: Our youth need to take advantage of State stimulus packages

While the most vulnerable group of the coronavirus pandemic is certainly the sick and elderly, the most financially vulnerable group in Kenya is the youth.

The pandemic has made it harder for recent graduates and young people at the beginning of their careers to get off to the right start.

Finding quality, satisfying employment with decent wages is no easy feat, and right now it is even more difficult than ever before.

Unlike most industrialised countries, the population of Kenya is constantly growing. The same goes for all of our continent, where we have the highest proportion of people under the age of 30 in the world. This is a blessing due to many factors, one of the main ones being a reduction in infant mortality rates and better maternal healthcare.

But with this population growth there are some challenges that cannot be ignored. One of the main goals that we strive towards as a nation, both within the framework of Uhuru’s Vision 2030 development agenda and as part of our ongoing development aims, is ensuring that the young people of today have access to reasonable paying and secure jobs well into the future. 

This is the only way to keep our economy growing and to turn Kenya into a middle income country over the next few years.

While the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily put a halt on many of the government’s ongoing programmes, the recent decision to inject Sh10 billion into youth employment is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Uhuru’s National Hygiene Programme is expected to put over 200,000 youth to work. To date, more than 26,000 young people have already started working through the programme and tens of thousands more of their peers will soon join them in industries as diverse as infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, environment, manufacturing and tourism.

During his seventh Covid-19 pandemic address to the nation, the president said, "A young population is indeed much better equipped to fight coronavirus but it is also worrying because during a pandemic like the one we have the sheer energy of the young generation must be directed into constructive deeds so that it is not directed into misdeeds."

Indeed, it is true. With a lot of time on their hands and a need to support themselves and often their families, young people are presented with two paths. Either they are able to find gainful unemployment and lead fulfilling, satisfying lives. Or, on the other hand, they might be forced to turn to more illicit means to earn a living.

That is why it is so important that the Uhuru administration focuses on guiding where the youth should be directing their energies. Since they are coming of age during very challenging circumstances, it is only fair that our government provides the adequate cushioning needed.

The announcement came at the same time that Uhuru introduced to the nation his eight-point stimulus programme. This Sh53.7 billion-investment into Kenya’s most important industries aims to ensure that when the Covid-19 pandemic dies down, Kenya’s economy has not been too hard hit. 

Both families and businesses are going to need some help during the coming months, and it is good to know that the president is doing everything within the government’s power to navigate our way through this, together.

Some industries, such as tourism, are suffering more than others since they rely on travellers from abroad to visit our national parks and relax on our coast. That is why, when restrictions are lifted on travel within Kenya but our borders are still closed, we should think about taking trips within our own country. 

We must take advantage of the government stimulus package, and also try to support each other in every way that we can. That can mean more visits in our own national parks, or buying locally made goods. Whatever we do to support the growth of the Kenyan economy, working together as a team is more important than ever. 

Uhuru has made it clear that the government is going to support its people. Our job is to keep positive and take advantage of the opportunities this stimulus will create and make sure we are ready and willing to be full partners in the growth of our country.

Mr Cherambos comments on topical issues