Employment Opportunities and Challenges for Kenyan Youth

Addressing Employment Opportunities and Challenges for Kenyan Youth: Insights from the Youth Stakeholder Quarterly Meeting

Last Thursday, we had the privilege of attending the Youth Stakeholder Quarterly Meeting organized by the National Gender Equality Commission in collaboration with the Hanns Seidel Foundation. Held at their offices, the meeting was a crucial platform for discussing the youth employment landscape in Kenya, focusing on the opportunities and challenges the youth face.

The discussions highlighted several key areas that need urgent attention to empower the youth and enhance their economic role.

Understanding the role of government in youth employment and the complementary role that the youth themselves must play.

It was emphasized that while the government provides various forms of support, such as the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and the Women Enterprise Fund (WESO Fund), the youth must take proactive steps in utilizing these resources effectively.

Statistics indicate that a significant challenge lies in the repayment of loans provided by these funds. Many young entrepreneurs struggle to meet the repayment conditions, which raises concerns about the sustainability of these financial models.

According to the latest data, the default rate on youth enterprise loans stands at approximately 30%, highlighting the need for more flexible and accessible financial solutions.

The meeting proposed that business financing systems could learn from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), which finances campus students and boasts a repayment rate of around 70%. Adopting a similar model, with more inclusive and manageable repayment terms, could improve the repayment rates for business loans.

Youth unemployment in Kenya is at a staggering 39%, one of the highest in the region.

There need for targeted efforts to create more job opportunities. The top industries identified with the potential to generate employment for the youth include technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.

The tech industry alone is projected to grow by 11% annually, offering numerous opportunities for young professionals.

Effective dissemination of government information

The government needs to partner with educational institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that information about available opportunities and resources is easily accessible and understandable.

The introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was praised for its focus on practicality in education.
It was noted that this practical approach should be extended beyond basic education to include higher education and vocational training, ensuring that young people are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the job market.

The waste management sector is an area of untapped potential.

Despite being perceived as a low-class job, the sector holds vast opportunities for sustainable growth and employment. Projections suggest that the waste management industry in Kenya could grow by 6% annually, creating numerous job opportunities.

However, this potential can only be realized if there is a shift in societal attitudes towards these jobs. Embracing waste management as a viable and valuable career option can drive more youth to explore opportunities in this sector, contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Inclusivity and active participation of youth in decision-making processes

Policies are made without adequate input from the youth, leading to strategies that do not fully address their needs. Ensuring that young people have a voice in these processes can lead to more effective and relevant policies, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth.

Conclusion

The Youth Stakeholder Quarterly Meeting served as a platform for addressing these issues and proposing actionable solutions. By enhancing access to information, financial resources, and practical education, Kenya can unlock the immense potential of its youth, driving economic growth and social development.

As Evolving Digitally, we are committed to continuing this dialogue and supporting initiatives that empower our youth, contributing to a brighter future for all.