NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s job market is undergoing significant transformations, especially concerning opportunities for the youth.
With approximately 75 percent of the population under 35, addressing youth employment is both a challenge and a priority.
The World Bank highlights that the country’s economic future heavily relies on integrating young people into productive employment.
-Rise of the Digital Economy-
The digital revolution has opened new avenues for employment.
Many young Kenyans are turning to online platforms for work, engaging in roles such as social media management, transcription, and copywriting.
A recent survey highlighted that 66.7 percent of Generation Z in Kenya are currently unemployed, prompting many to seek online gigs as an alternative to traditional employment.
Take, for example, Liz Kerubo Nyakundi, who, after struggling with unemployment, utilized a government startup grant to establish a honey-processing business.
Her enterprise not only provided her with a sustainable income but also contributed to her community’s economic growth.
-Government Initiatives and Overseas Employment-
In response to domestic employment challenges, the Kenyan government has initiated programs to send workers abroad.
President William Ruto announced plans to deploy 3,000 bus drivers to Germany to address labor shortages there.
Such initiatives aim to alleviate local unemployment and boost the economy through remittances.
Beyond Germany, Kenya has signed agreements to send workers to other countries, with a target of placing one million Kenyans abroad by 2025.
Denmark is among the nations expected to receive skilled Kenyan workers, a move designed to increase foreign remittances and enhance workforce skill development.
-Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment-
Entrepreneurship is increasingly viewed as a viable solution to youth unemployment.
The Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP) has supported over 155,000 young people, enabling the launch of 86,000 businesses and creating 125,000 jobs.
By equipping youth with skills and resources, such programs foster job creation and local economic development. (World Bank)
The Kenyan government is also promoting the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which includes strategic initiatives to create more job opportunities.
One of the key areas of focus is agricultural productivity and food security.
Through the Fertilizer Subsidy Program, 7.4 million bags of subsidized fertilizer have been distributed to reduce farming costs and enhance food security.
This initiative is expected to boost rural employment in agricultural value chains.
Another major intervention is in climate resilience and environmental conservation.
The Climate WorX Mtaani Initiative, launched in September 2024, employs thousands of jobless Kenyans in climate resilience projects.
Workers earn Sh500 per day for two-week shifts, with plans for nationwide expansion.
Labor migration is also a critical aspect of the government’s employment strategy.
Agreements have been signed with foreign governments to export labor, including sending 3,000 Kenyan bus drivers to Germany in 2024.
By 2025, the government aims to place one million Kenyan workers abroad, including in Denmark.
These efforts are designed to increase remittances and improve workforce skill development.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. The informal sector continues to dominate, with many jobs lacking stability and adequate pay.
Moreover, the aspiration to seek opportunities abroad underscores the need for more robust domestic employment solutions.
Addressing these issues, experts say, requires a multifaceted approach, including policy reforms, investment in education and skills training, and the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship.
