YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

photo: courtesy of google

Kenya, like many other African countries, has a huge youth unemployment problem. The youth unemployment rate in Kenya has been hovering around 20% for the past few years, and this is a cause for concern given that the majority of the country's population is made up of young people. The government of Kenya has the responsibility of addressing this issue by creating employment opportunities for its youth. Here are some ways in which the government can achieve this;

Encouraging entrepreneurship

The government can create an environment that is conducive to entrepreneurship by offering training, mentorship, and funding programs to the youth. The government can also provide tax incentives to young entrepreneurs, and they can also set up business incubation centers to help young entrepreneurs in their early stages of the business.

 Investing in industries that create jobs

The government can invest in industries that have the potential of creating jobs for the youth. The agricultural sector, for instance, has the potential to create millions of jobs. Investing in infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water supply in rural areas can lead to the growth of the agricultural sector.

 Expanding Digital Infrastructure

The Government can also invest in expanding the digital infrastructure through which youth can access online jobs like Coding jobs, Virtual Assistance and Customer Support Roles, and other freelance opportunities.

Vocational Training and Apprenticeships

The government can create vocational training centers and apprentice programs to teach skills to the youth. Skills such as welding, carpentry, and plumbing can create an avenue for self-employment for the youth. The government can also engage the youth in public works programs such as road construction and rehabilitation of public facilities.

 Enhancing Export-Oriented Value Chains & Manufacturing

The creation of manufacturing centers for export-oriented goods would promote the creation of value chains that provide formal jobs and income opportunities. Incentivising businesses to generate additional employment, especially within the export-oriented sector.

In conclusion, addressing the youth unemployment problem in Kenya requires a multi-faceted approach, and the government must participate in implementing such measures. Creating an enabling environment for private sector job creation, expanding the digital infrastructure, investing in growth-oriented sectors, vocational training and apprenticeships, and emphasizing manufacturing and value chain development are some of the key recommendations that can help reduce youth unemployment in Kenya.