Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Kipchumba Murkomen, has disclosed that most of the unemployed population in Kenya consists of young people. While addressing the International Youth Day celebrations in Mombasa on Monday, August 12, 2024, Murkomen noted that between 500,000 and 800,000 young individuals enter the job market each year, which exceeds the economy’s ability to offer sufficient employment opportunities.
“Kenya, despite being one of East Africa’s largest and most dynamic economies, faces a severe youth unemployment crisis. The figures are alarming: 80% of the unemployed population are young people. Each year, between 500,000 to 800,000 young people enter the job market, overwhelming the economy’s capacity to provide adequate employment,” Murkomen said.
“This results in a labour force participation rate of only 38% among those aged 15 to 24, jeopardizing our social and economic stability.”
To address the high unemployment rates, Murkomen unveiled several initiatives aimed at boosting youth employment and entrepreneurship. These include the Talanta Hela program, business development services for youth-owned or youth-focused enterprises, the annual Presidential Innovation Challenge, the transformation of youth empowerment centers into digital hubs, policy reforms, and enhanced youth engagement.
He also announced the forthcoming launch of the Nyota Project, which is set to benefit 810,000 vulnerable youth aged 18 to 29, and up to 35 for persons with disabilities.
“This initiative targets those with Form Four level education and below, who are at the bottom of the economic and social pyramid due to limited access to government programs. The Nyota Project will be instrumental in improving employability, strengthening youth employment systems, expanding employment opportunities and supporting youth savings,” Murkomen stated.
“Nyota addresses agricultural transformation, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by promoting 110,000 youth-led MSMEs with start-up capital and mentorship, housing and settlement, healthcare and digital superhighway and creative industry by creating digital job opportunities and nurturing youth talents
