How to address youth unemployment in Kenya

According to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, nearly 3.17 million young Kenyans eligible for work or school are idle in the three months to June. The survey analysed the labour market situation for the population aged 15 to 64 years for the period from April to June 2020. Communication Consultant, Alex Owiti joins CNBC Africa for more.

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 10:33:04 GMT

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AI Generated Summary

The staggering increase in youth unemployment in Kenya, rising from 5.2% to 10%, is attributed to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on various sectors such as transportation, aviation, hospitality, and construction.
The formal sector's limited job creation capacity compared to the extensive informal employment highlights the need for targeted support for businesses in the informal sector and initiatives to empower the youth.
Investing in the agriculture sector and revitalizing it could not only boost Kenya's economy and decrease rural-urban migration but also provide much-needed job opportunities for the youth who have been severely impacted by the unemployment crisis.

Kenya is facing a dire situation as nearly 3.17 million young Kenyans eligible for work or school are idle, according to the latest report released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. The survey analyzed the labor market situation for the population aged 15 to 64 years for the period from April to June 2020. This alarming statistic reflects a significant increase in unemployment rates, soaring from 5.2% to 10%, primarily due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various sectors such as transportation, aviation, hospitality, and construction have been severely hit, leading to widespread job losses and economic downturns. The repercussions of this high unemployment rate are casting a long shadow over Kenya's economic plans, with the country's growth expected to slow down to nearly 2% this year, compared to the initial projection of close to 6%. The formal sector, which saw about 78,000 new formal jobs created last year, pales in comparison to the over 700,000 informal jobs generated in the same period. The informal sector, which employs a large portion of the workforce, has been grappling with financial challenges and lack of support. While the government has taken some steps to assist businesses, more comprehensive efforts are needed to revive the economy and create job opportunities for the youth. The agriculture sector, a crucial backbone of Kenya's economy, has been identified as a key area for investment and growth. With the potential to prevent rural-urban migration and boost employment opportunities, revitalizing the agriculture sector could offer a lifeline for the youth who have been disproportionately impacted by the current unemployment crisis. Additionally, support for the informal sector and initiatives like the youth fund will be essential in providing sustenance and stability for young Kenyans facing joblessness. While the road ahead may be challenging, concerted efforts from the government, international organizations, and stakeholders are crucial in alleviating the youth unemployment crisis and setting Kenya's economy back on track.