Kenya, like many countries around the world, is grappling with a growing unemployment crisis, with rising inflation and economic conditions further exacerbating the situation. The scarcity of job opportunities has left many young people feeling increasingly frustrated and hopeless. Despite their determination to succeed, thousands of Kenyan youth continue to face overwhelming challenges in finding stable work. These difficulties are forcing many to take on menial jobs or seek alternative ways to support themselves and their families, with little to no long-term solutions on the horizon.

The pressing issue of unemployment, particularly among the youth, has reached alarming levels, and many Kenyans are calling on the government to step in with concrete measures to alleviate the crisis. Among the solutions proposed are affordable loans and programs that would allow youth to start small businesses and create employment opportunities for themselves and others.

Struggling to Make Ends Meet

In Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, the issue of unemployment has become a part of daily life for many. Along Waiyaki Way, a busy road near N Market, a group of three friends gathers each day in the hope of finding work. Their situation is not unique. Across the city and country, young people are spending their days in similar circumstances—waiting for a chance at temporary or casual labor that may or may not come.

Jane Wanjiku, a single mother of two, has been unemployed for two months after losing her job at a company in Lavington late last year. The company, along with many others, was forced to close down due to the harsh economic conditions in the country. With limited options available to her, Wanjiku, like many others, has been relying on casual work to provide for her children.

“I’ve been coming here for five days now,” Wanjiku says, her voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and resilience. “I’ve been here the whole week, but I haven’t been successful. Today, I came hoping to get hired, but I didn’t. Now I have no choice but to go back home.”

For Wanjiku, the job search is an ongoing struggle. She continues to visit the same spots daily, hoping for a break. Her experience highlights a growing trend among the Kenyan youth, where even casual work, once a more reliable source of income, has become increasingly difficult to secure. In the face of mounting competition, Wanjiku often finds herself returning home without a single opportunity in hand.

Her friend, Joy Waitherero, shares a similar story. “We come here searching for work, but sometimes you’re lucky, sometimes you’re not. This January, I haven’t been fortunate,” she explains. Waitherero, like Wanjiku, is caught in an ongoing cycle of temporary and uncertain work, as she waits for more stable job prospects that may never materialize.

The Reality of Casual Labor

While Wanjiku’s and Waitherero’s experiences are heartbreaking, they are far from unique. In Kenya, casual labor has become a fallback for many unemployed individuals, especially in urban centers like Nairobi. Casual work, often in the form of daily labor for construction companies, domestic work, or occasional gigs, is typically poorly paid and comes without benefits or job security.

Wanjiku’s life as a single mother has become a testament to the harsh realities of this form of labor. Despite the challenges, she remains committed to providing for her children. “I leave here around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. to go home and stay there, calling my friends who have casual work to see if they can help me out,” she says.

Wanjiku’s perseverance is evident, as she continues to take on even the most menial of tasks to make ends meet. She explains that even in difficult weather conditions, such as the rainy season, she will still go to work if an opportunity arises. “Yesterday, I got a chance to wash clothes for someone, and even though it was raining, I still went because I have to work for my kids. It’s tough, and even the students in Junior Secondary are struggling to get to school,” she says.

The desperate need for work has forced Wanjiku to accept whatever comes her way. “The first priority is food, then my children’s education, and after that, paying rent,” she explains. Wanjiku’s financial priorities reflect the harsh choices many Kenyans are facing, where even basic survival can feel like an uphill battle. The pressure to provide for her children and maintain a roof over their heads is overwhelming, but Wanjiku is determined not to disappoint her landlord.

Call for Government Intervention

The situation facing young Kenyans like Wanjiku is becoming more dire by the day. With unemployment continuing to rise and few opportunities for stable employment, many young people are turning to the government for support. The lack of formal employment options has fueled a growing demand for programs and policies that would support small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and provide alternative sources of income.

Lilian Okere, another unemployed Kenyan, emphasizes the importance of government support. “At least if someone can assist, even with a small business, it would help,” she says. “It’s better than this endless cycle of coming and going without success.” Okere, like many others, believes that the government has a critical role to play in addressing the root causes of youth unemployment.

In Kenya, a large percentage of the population is under the age of 35, with many young people entering the workforce each year. However, the labor market is simply unable to absorb this growing number of job seekers. The country’s youth unemployment rate has been consistently high in recent years, with official figures from 2024 showing that nearly 40% of young people are unemployed or underemployed.

Government Responses and Proposed Solutions

The government has acknowledged the seriousness of the unemployment crisis and has implemented various initiatives to address the issue. However, critics argue that these measures have not been sufficient to bring about meaningful change. For example, programs such as the “Youth Enterprise Development Fund” and “Uwezo Fund” are designed to provide affordable loans and support to youth entrepreneurs, but many young people have reported difficulty accessing these funds due to bureaucratic red tape and a lack of awareness about the available programs.

In addition, there is a need for greater investment in education and skills development to equip young people with the qualifications and experience necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing job market. With technological advancements and the rise of automation in industries such as manufacturing and agriculture, there is a growing demand for workers with digital skills, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial acumen. By focusing on education and skills training, the government could help youth prepare for the future of work and reduce reliance on casual labor.

However, many youth have expressed frustration at the slow pace of government intervention. They argue that more immediate action is required to address the economic challenges they face today, such as rising inflation, the cost of living, and the scarcity of well-paying jobs. Some have proposed the establishment of youth-focused job creation programs, tax incentives for small businesses, and greater access to financial support for young entrepreneurs.

The Need for a Multi-Faceted Approach

To tackle the youth unemployment crisis effectively, experts agree that a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes creating policies that stimulate job growth, particularly in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and agriculture. Encouraging investment in these industries could lead to the creation of thousands of jobs for young people. At the same time, it is essential to address the structural challenges that hinder job creation, such as limited access to capital, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient technical skills among the workforce.

Additionally, it is crucial to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. By providing the necessary tools and support for young people to start their own businesses, the government can help create sustainable jobs that not only reduce unemployment but also drive economic growth.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

As the unemployment crisis continues to affect the lives of thousands of young Kenyans, it is clear that urgent action is needed. From accessible loans for small businesses to investments in education and skills development, the government must prioritize measures that will provide lasting solutions for youth unemployment. The resilience and determination of individuals like Wanjiku and Okere serve as a reminder of the strength of the Kenyan youth, but without the right support and opportunities, their potential will remain untapped. The time for action is now, and it is up to the government and other stakeholders to create an environment where young people can thrive and build a brighter future for themselves and their country.

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photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

31^st January, 2025