Despite being the majority population, Kenyan youth have not significantly benefited from the robust economic development the country has experienced over the past decade.
According to a report by the National Council for Population Development (NCPD), Kenya has seen an economic expansion of 5% in the last ten years; however, this growth has not effectively addressed youth unemployment and the prevalence of poor-quality jobs in the informal sector.
The NCPD report indicates that the economic benefits of this growth have predominantly favored the older generation. “Economic progress has primarily benefitted the older generation more than the young generation. Gender and living location are defining factors, but youth unemployment is rampant throughout Kenya,” the report stated, citing data from the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP).
Between 2009 and 2019, Kenya’s youth population surged from 11,089,518 to 13,177,600, with projections estimating an increase of over 6 million by 2035. With approximately 800,000 youth entering the job market annually, the NCPD has emphasized the urgent need for the economy to provide adequate formal and informal employment opportunities.
The government has implemented several measures to tackle youth unemployment, including increasing training facilities and launching programs like Kazi Mtaani. Additionally, the NCPD has called for the creation of a conducive environment for both foreign and domestic investments to generate new job opportunities for the youth.
However, the report also highlights a significant issue affecting youth economic productivity: the high consumption of alcohol and other drugs, such as tobacco, especially among young men. Despite high literacy levels, this substance abuse problem is undermining the economic potential of Kenya’s youth.