Wananchi Opinion: This is how to address youth unemployment

As dawn breaks over the bustling streets of Nairobi, a stark reality shadows the aspirations of Kenya's youth: unemployment.

This isn't just a statistic; it's a narrative woven into the fabric of our society, affecting countless dreams and stifling potential.

The issue of youth unemployment in Kenya is not new, but it's one that demands urgent attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders.

In the intricate landscape of Kenya's job market, a notable disparity arises: businesses urgently seek employees, yet they struggle to find candidates equipped with the specific skills they require.

Meanwhile, a multitude of graduates eagerly enter the workforce, hoping to secure employment opportunities.

This discrepancy underscores a significant challenge: the evident gap between the skills demanded by employers and those possessed by job seekers.

The fact that between 800,000 and 1 million graduates are injected into the job market every year exacerbates this dilemma. Yet, as they venture into the workforce, they encounter a harsh reality: only about 25% of them will secure employment opportunities.

And that percentage seems to dwindle each year. The numbers speak volumes. And they aren’t just numbers - they represent dreams deferred, families burdened, and a nation deprived of its greatest asset: its youth.

It's crucial to recognise that the fault does not lie with the graduates themselves. Rather, it's a reflection of a broader issue: nobody has adequately taught them how to navigate the complexities of the job market.

The traditional education system often focuses on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills and real-world experience, leaving graduates ill-prepared to meet the demands of today's employers.

The root of Kenya's youth unemployment challenge extends beyond just a skills mismatch; it encompasses systemic issues that hinder economic growth and opportunity.

Factors such as limited access to capital, inadequate infrastructure, and systemic barriers perpetuate inequality, particularly for marginalized groups.

Furthermore, the lack of opportunities for young people fuels a cycle of unemployment, as individuals struggle to gain the experience needed to secure employment.

This vicious cycle not only affects individuals but also has broader implications for society, including decreased productivity, increased poverty rates, and social unrest.

Addressing Kenya's youth unemployment challenge requires a holistic approach that tackles both immediate needs and underlying systemic issues.

In the short term, initiatives such as skills development programmes, job placement services, and entrepreneurship support can provide young people with the tools and resources they need to enter the workforce or start their own businesses.

However, these short-term measures must be complemented by long-term solutions that address the root causes of youth unemployment.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions play a vital role in imparting practical skills, particularly in entrepreneurship.

 However, there's a gap in business knowledge education, which is crucial for success in the job market or as an entrepreneur.

On the other hand, universities focus heavily on theory, with practical application often being scarce.

Despite these challenges, the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) system, though still in its infancy, represents a step in the right direction.

By emphasizing practical skills and real-world applications, the CBC system has the potential to better prepare students for the demands of the job market and entrepreneurship.

As a career development practitioner and advocate for youth empowerment, I am committed to playing my part in addressing Kenya's youth unemployment challenge.

Together, let's bridge the gap and build a brighter future for our youth and our country.

Yvonne Shasuvila Founder, StaffScout Kenya