Kenya stands at a demographic crossroads. With over 75% of its population under the age of 35, the country possesses one of the most youthful populations on the continent.
While this is often celebrated as a “demographic dividend,” it is quickly becoming a source of concern due to rising youth unemployment and underemployment.
Yet, within this crisis lies a transformative opportunity—if harnessed correctly, Kenya’s youth could be the engine that powers inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), youth aged between 18 and 34 make up the largest portion of the unemployed population.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of graduates enter a job market that has limited capacity to absorb them.
Even more troubling is the situation for youth in informal settlements and rural areas who lack access to quality education and job opportunities.
This unemployment crisis has far-reaching implications. It fuels poverty, inequality, mental health challenges, and, in extreme cases, drives young people into crime, drug abuse, or violent extremism. It is not just a social problem — it is a national economic emergency.
Young people are not just job seekers; they are innovators, risk-takers, and the future workforce of Kenya.
Investing in their potential means investing in productivity, innovation, and long-term competitiveness.
If empowered with the right skills and opportunities, youth can become creators of jobs, not just consumers of them.
Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools to address youth unemployment. Across the country, young people are starting businesses in agribusiness, technology, creative arts, and the green economy.
What they lack is access to affordable financing, mentorship, and market linkages. With the right ecosystem, these youth-led ventures can scale and generate jobs, drive exports, and deepen domestic value chains.
One major barrier to youth employment is the mismatch between education and market demands.
Many graduates leave universities with theoretical knowledge that does not translate into employable skills.
It is time to rethink our education system—prioritizing technical and vocational training (TVET), digital literacy, and entrepreneurship education.
Public-private partnerships must be strengthened to ensure training institutions are aligned with real industry needs. Internship programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training should become the norm, not the exception.
To turn youth unemployment into economic transformation, the government must do more than create policies—it must fund and implement them effectively.
Programs like Ajira Digital, Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP), and the Hustler Fund are steps in the right direction, but they require scaling, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
County governments also have a role to play by investing in youth innovation hubs, supporting cooperatives, and integrating young people into local economic planning.
Addressing youth unemployment is not just the government’s responsibility. Civil society, private sector, international partners, and the youth themselves must work collaboratively to build an inclusive economy.
Employers must give young people a chance, even if they do not have years of experience.
Schools must adapt to the future of work. And young people must rise to the challenge, upskill, and embrace resilience.
In every challenge lies an opportunity—and in Kenya’s youth lies the power to transform our economy. Let us not waste this moment.
Let us build a country where youth are not waiting in lines for jobs, but building the enterprises, solutions, and industries of tomorrow.
Imran Mohamed Abdirahman is a peace ambassador, governance analyst, and youth empowerment advocate. He is the Executive Director of ERGO International Peace Initiative and Managing Director of Jicho Kubwa Security Ltd.
