On August 12, 2024, during the International Youth Day celebrations in Mombasa, Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, unveiled startling statistics and bold initiatives aimed at tackling the country’s severe youth unemployment crisis. Murkomen’s address highlighted the gravity of the situation, revealing that 80% of Kenya’s unemployed population are young people, a statistic that underscores a pressing issue within one of East Africa’s largest and most dynamic economies.
Murkomen’s revelations are both alarming and indicative of a broader socio-economic challenge. Each year, Kenya sees between 500,000 to 800,000 young individuals entering the job market. This influx significantly strains the economy’s capacity to offer adequate employment opportunities, resulting in a labor force participation rate of only 38% among those aged 15 to 24. This low participation rate threatens the country’s social and economic stability, highlighting an urgent need for systemic intervention.
To address these challenges, Murkomen announced several government initiatives designed to enhance youth employment and entrepreneurship. Among the most notable is the Talanta Hela programme, which aims to support young entrepreneurs and enterprises. This initiative is complemented by business development services specifically tailored for youth-owned or youth-focused enterprises, as well as the annual Presidential Innovation Challenge which encourages innovative solutions for employment.
Additionally, Murkomen unveiled the transformation of youth empowerment centers into digital transformation hubs. This move is part of a broader strategy to bridge the digital divide that continues to hinder many young people from accessing the internet, digital devices, and necessary skills. The emphasis on digital infrastructure and literacy is critical, given the increasing importance of digital skills in the modern job market.
In a further commitment to tackling youth unemployment, Murkomen introduced the Nyota Project, set to launch soon. This initiative targets 810,000 vulnerable youth aged 18-29 years, including up to 35 years for persons with disabilities. The Nyota Project aims to uplift those at the bottom of the economic and social pyramid, particularly individuals with Form Four level education and below who have limited access to government programs.
The Nyota Project is designed to enhance employability and expand employment opportunities through various means. It will promote 110,000 youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing start-up capital and mentorship. Additionally, the initiative will address housing and settlement challenges, improve healthcare access, and foster digital job opportunities in the creative industry. This comprehensive approach seeks not only to create jobs but also to nurture and support youth talents, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Murkomen’s address also highlighted the need to address digital risks such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and online privacy threats. Ensuring a safe and empowering digital environment is crucial for enabling young people to thrive in the digital economy. The government’s focus on digital literacy and infrastructure investment reflects an understanding of the growing role of technology in the job market and the need to prepare the youth for future opportunities.
The initiatives announced by Murkomen represent a significant step toward addressing Kenya’s youth unemployment crisis. By focusing on digital transformation, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and providing targeted interventions for the most vulnerable, the government aims to create a more inclusive and dynamic job market. As Kenya continues to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving economy, these measures will be crucial in fostering a generation of empowered and employed young people, ultimately contributing to the country’s long-term socio-economic stability and growth.
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