1

Working Definitions
Youth
There is no universal definition of the youth. Youth definitions are contextual, depending on the

social, economic, and political environment.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO) and the United

Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), for example, defines the youth as those aged between 10 and 24

years. They further identify three categories of youth within this age range as adolescents (10-19

years), youth (15-24 years), and young people (10-24 years). The categories used by the UNFPA,

WHO and UNICEF signal the ages of maturity, and the nurturing and building of skills and

knowledge in readiness for integration in the social, economic, and political spheres of life

Youth in terms of both age and youth – hood. In respect to age, a youth will be defined as a person,

male or female, in the age bracket of 15 to 35 years while youth – hood; will be looked at as the

specific stage between childhood and adulthood when people have to negotiate a complex

interplay of both personal and socio-economic changes to manoeuvre the transition from

dependence to independence, take effective control of their lives and assume social commitments.

The Strategy recognizes youth-hood as a period of transition and vulnerability when the youth have

to undergo learning, going to work, staying healthy and safe, forming families and exercising

citizenship. Success in this period of transition requires development of human capital of the youth,

empowering the youth to take up leadership roles and make informed and competent choices, and

develops of a sense of wellbeing.

Youth Bulge
The term youth bulge refers to a demographic trend where the proportion of persons aged between 15
and 24 (UN’s definition of youth) in the general population increases significantly compared to other age
groups (UNICEF, 2012). The term is also used to define a situation in which the population share of the
15 to 24 year olds exceeds 20 per cent and the share of the 0 to 14 year olds (often also referred to as
the "children bulge" and a good predictor of future youth bulges) is higher than 30 per cent. The youth
bulge offers opportunity for economic, social and political development while at the same time provides
challenges of risks and threats to the country’s social cohesion and stability.

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The youth bulge theory predicts that societies characterized by a youth bulge while simultaneously
facing limited resources, are much more prone to social unrest than those societies without this
demographic stressors (Schomaker, 2013).

Youth Empowerment
Youth empowerment is both a means and an end, an attitudinal, structural, and cultural process

whereby young people gain the ability, authority, and agency to make decisions and implement

change in their own and other peoples’ lives both now and in their adulthood while bearing

responsibility for the consequences of those decisions and actions.

The Commonwealth Youth Ministers and Heads of States endorsed that “Empowering young

people means creating and supporting the enabling conditions under which young people can act

on their own behalf and on their terms, rather than the direction of others”. These enabling

conditions include:

i. Economic and social base

ii. Political will and commitment for mainstreaming youth issues at all levels, adequate

resource allocation and supportive legal and administrative framework

iii. A stable environment for equity, peace and democracy

iv. Access to knowledge, information and skills

Youth empowerment is often addressed as a gateway to intergenerational equity, assets

enhancement, civic engagement and democracy building and all programs that focus on positive

youth development. The figure on the dynamic cycle of youth empowerment borrowed from the

Commonwealth Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (PAYE) below illustrates the process of

empowering youth.

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Empowered young people

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CHAPTER 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Umoja has a generally youthful population. The high proportion of the youth to adult population
signifies that Umoja is facing a youth bulge. The youth bulge offers opportunities for economic, social,
and political development while at the same time posing challenges of risk and threats to the country’s
social cohesion and stability.

Youth empowerment, which includes gender empowerment, is an integral component of the economic,
social, cultural, and political transformations that Kenya aspires to achieve. A major focus of the Kenya
Government is a youth empowerment strategy that integrates attitudinal, structural, and cultural
processes through which young people gain the ability, authority, and agency to make decisions and
implement change in their own lives and the lives of other people, including peers and adults.

Along with other United Nations Member States, the Government of Kenya also subscribes to the vision
enshrined in the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY). WPAY provides a policy framework and
practical guidelines for national action and international support to improve the situation of young
people. It focuses on measures to strengthen national capacities in the field of youth and to increase the
quality and quantity of opportunities available to young people for full, effective and constructive
participation in society.

The Government’s commitment to youth empowerment is anchored on Article 27 of the Constitution.

This accords every person, including the youth, the right to equality and freedom from discrimination.
Similarly, Article 43 grants every person economic and social rights while Article 55 compels the
Government to take measures to promote youth empowerment. In this respect, the Government is
required to take measures, including affirmative action programs to ensure that the youth access
relevant education and training; and have opportunities to associate, be represented, and participate in
political, social, economic, and other spheres of life; access employment and are protected from harmful
cultural practices and exploitation.

In an effort to enhance Youth empowerment, the government is implementing a transformative youth

empowerment program through the 5-Point Vision under the National Youth Service (NYS) which is
prioritized as a flagship project of the Kenya Vision 2030 and the Medium Term Plan II (2013 - 2017). In
this respect, the Kenya Vision 2030 and the Medium Term Plan II (2013 - 2017) seek to promote
transformative youth empowerment through skills and talent development and exploitation of the
entrepreneurial potential of the youth. The Government aims to achieve this by rebranding and
redefining the role and mandate of the NYS. This will involve increasing intakes and promoting youth
social movements that are guided by the principles of regimentation, rituals for bonding, livelihoods,
identity, and significance. The main goal will be to promote youth savings, community service,
peacebuilding, and leadership skills.

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Therefore, the National Youth Empowerment Strategy (NYES) will provide strategic direction and scale up
youth empowerment in the country, consolidate stakeholder efforts towards youth empowerment, and
provide a framework for coordinating and leveraging investments targeted at youth empowerment.

1.2 Rationale for the National Youth Empowerment Strategy

A strong, dynamic, responsive, and empowered youth is critical in catalyzing and driving the
transformations envisioned in the Constitution and the Kenya Vision 2030.

Umoja’s youth unemployment rate was estimated high than those of other areas like Kayole and Saika.
Kenya’s youth unemployment rate was estimated at 35 percent in 2005/2006 compared to about 10
percent for adults. The youth unemployment also varies across age, sex, and regions with the younger
youths facing more severe unemployment than the older youths, the female youth facing about 50
percent unemployment rate compared to about 30 percent for male youth, and youth in the urban areas
contending with higher rates of unemployment than those in the rural areas. The youth are also hardest
hit by poverty with 56 percent of the youth being poor as of 2009 and are more vulnerable with higher
reported cases of early marriages, engagement in crime and violence, and drug and substance abuse.

The Kenya Government in collaboration with the private sector, civil society organizations and
development partners have, over time, taken a number of policy, institutional, legal and programmatic
measures to respond to the challenges facing the youth. The interventions have variously targeted the
promotion of youth development and empowerment through the building of entrepreneurial and
leadership capacities, enhancement of employable and life skills, and promotion of creativity and
innovation among others. However, a number of challenges have been registered that have contributed
to the increased marginalization of young people excluding them from fully participating in
development. Thus, there is a need for a new focus in the design and implementation of youth
empowerment policies and programs at all levels.

The government’s aspirations and commitments towards youth development and empowerment must
be anchored on sound strategies that will ensure delivery of results to the youth in an expedient and
efficient manner. The National Youth Empowerment Strategy (2015) seeks to guide implementation of
youth targeted empowerment interventions by creating a unified, coherent and stable framework for
development and empowerment of the youth at national and devolved levels. The Strategy is prioritized
as one of the flagship projects of the second Medium Term Plan (MTP II, 2013-2017), which puts youth
empowerment at the core of the country’s development strategy.

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CHAPTER 2
2.0 FOUNDATION AND PILLARS OF THE STRATEGY

2.1 Vision

The NYES envisages ‘A dynamic and empowered youth building a globally competitive and
prosperous Kenya’

2.2 Mission

This strategy hopes ‘to create and pursue an enabling environment for realizing the full potential
of youth towards building a globally competitive and prosperous Kenya’

2.3 Core Value

This strategy respects the right to human dignity, equity, social justice, inclusiveness, equality,
human rights, non-discrimination, and protection of the marginalized; and promotes patriotism,
national unity, integrity, transparency, and accountability among the youth.

2.4 Principles

The implementation and full realization of this strategy will be guided by the following principles as
drawn from the Constitution of Kenya, Vision 2030, and the National Youth Policy:

i. Equity and equality

This Strategy upholds the principle of equitable distribution of resources and services and

promotion of access to empowerment opportunities among the youth.

ii. Involvement & Participation

The youth have a right to associate, be represented, and participate in political, social,

Economic, and other spheres of life. This principle further ensures gender equality and

inclusion of youth with disabilities as an integral dimension of the design, implementation

monitoring, and evaluation of programs. It embraces the mainstreaming of youth issues

in all sectors of national development as a strategy of participation and empowerment.

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iii. Impact and Sustainability

Evidence-based impact and continuity of interventions will be an integral dimension of the

design, implementation monitoring, and evaluation of programs.

The Youth Empowerment Strategy seeks to facilitate the:

i. Integration and Mainstreaming of youth interventions in sectoral and macro policies at

county and national levels.

ii. Provide strategic direction and a framework for coordinating and leveraging investments

targeted at youth empowerment.

iii. Consolidate stakeholder efforts towards youth empowerment.

iv. Promote transformative youth empowerment with a focus on employability and life skills,

talent, and entrepreneurship development.

v. Promote youth participation in community service, peacebuilding, and leadership.

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CHAPTER 3
3 SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
3.1 General Overview
Research has revealed that a strong, dynamic, and empowered youth is critical in catalyzing the
social, political, economic, and cultural as well as policy transformation of a nation particularly
in developing countries.
Youth face a myriad of challenges, key among them being unemployment, lack of professional
skills demanded by the job market, high dependency levels that lead to slow economic growth,
increasing poverty levels, and rising crime. These and many others negatively impact on the
overall objectives of the Constitution of Kenya, the Kenya Vision 2030, and the post-2015
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Since independence, youth issues in Kenya have been handled by different ministries. The
former Ministry of State for Youth Affairs (MOYA) was established on 7th December 2005 to
represent and address youth concerns in Kenya. This was necessary against the reality that
despite their numerical strength, youth were not well represented in the national, political, and
socio-economic development processes. Upon inception, the ministry coordinated and
mainstreamed youth issues in the national development agenda. In order to integrate and
harmonize issues affecting youth in Kenya, the government through the presidential circular no.
1 of 2008 reorganized the ministry to include the department of sports to become the Ministry
of Youth Affairs and Sports (MOYAS).
Through Executive Order No. 2 of May 2013, the Jubilee government prioritized the
implementation of youth empowerment functions through the Directorate of Youth Affairs
under the Ministry of Devolution and Planning. However, sports and youth polytechnic
functions were transferred to the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts and the Ministry of
Education respectively. Under its previous strategic plan, MOYAS made significant achievements
towards youth empowerment.
That notwithstanding, the Ministry of Devolution and Planning through the Directorate of Youth
Affairs is now responsible for the integration of youth issues into national planning and
development including the implementation of programs and projects geared towards
empowering youth and providing them with skills and financial resources so as to able to play a
positive and productive role in society. These initiatives include the restructuring of the National
Youth Service (NYS), the launch of the Uwezo Fund, and the allocation of 30% Access to
Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) to the Youth, Women, and Persons with
disabilities among other initiatives.

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3.2 Focus Areas

The NYES seeks to achieve transformative youth empowerment by pursuing the following focus
areas:
i. Policy and Legal Framework
ii. Leadership and Participation
iii. Employment and Skills Development
iv. Innovation, Creativity, Technology and Talent Identification & Development
v. Agriculture, Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
vi. Health, Crime, Drug and Substance Abuse
3.2.1 Policy and Legal Framework
Youth empowerment in Umoja not only Umoja but in Kenya is an integral component of the
economic, social, cultural, and political transformation that the nation currently aspires to
achieve. The Government therefore has focused on developing a tool; namely: the National
Youth Empowerment Strategy (NYES); that integrates attitudinal, structural, cultural, political,
and economic processes through which young people gain the ability, authority, and agency to
make decisions, implement change in their own lives and the lives of other people, including
those of their peers and the adults.
This is in line with the requirements of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) to
which Kenya as well as all other United Nations Member States subscribes. The WPAY provides a
policy framework and practical guidelines for national action and international support to
improve the situation of young people and focuses on measures to strengthen national
capacities in the field of youth so as to increase the quality and quantity of opportunities
available to the young people for full, effective and constructive participation in the society as
well as for all-inclusive youth empowerment and comprehensive growth.
Similarly, the political commitment of African governments to address the youth situation is also
reflected in the adoption of the African Youth Charter (2006) and the Decade Plan of Action for
Youth Development and Empowerment (2009 - 2018). The African Youth Charter serves as a
political and legal framework for action that takes stock of the current situation of youth in
Africa. It comprehensively takes into account education, employment as well and youth
participation in regional, sub-regional, and national institutions.
The Kenyan government’s commitment to youth empowerment is further anchored on various
Articles of the Constitution of Kenya. For instance, Article 27 accords every person, including the
youth, the right to equality and freedom from discrimination; Article 43 grants every person

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economic and social right and Article 55 compels the government to take measures to promote
youth empowerment. In this respect, the government is required to take measures, including
affirmative action and programs to ensure that the youth access relevant education and
training; have opportunities to associate; be represented and participate in political, social,
economic and other spheres of life; and they access employment and are protected from
harmful cultural practices and exploitation.
The Government of Kenya’s efforts to implement youth empowerment initiatives can be
revealed through the National Youth Policy (2007), the National Youth Council (NYC) Act (2009),
the Sector Plan for Labor, Youth and Human Resource Development (2008 - 2012), and the
National Action Plan on Youth Employment (2007 - 2012). These and other policies need to be
aligned to the Constitution of Kenya (2010).
Policy Initiatives
The youth as a distinct demographic category has been anchored in the Constitution. Article 260
of the Constitution gives a formal age-based definition for the youth while Article 55 in the Bill
of Rights provides the fundamental principles and rights of the youth, inclusive of the
obligations of the State to ensure attainment of the rights. The Constitution obliges the State to
take measures, including affirmative action programs, to ensure that the youth access relevant
education, training and employment; have opportunities to associate, be represented and
participate in political, social, economic, and other spheres of life and are protected from
harmful cultural policies and exploitation. The Constitution has therefore provided the broad
legislative framework for youth empowerment.
Until the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs (MoYA) was established on 7th December 2005, the
institutional mechanism for articulation and coordination of youth issues had, for a long time,
been scattered in various Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The creation of
MoYA was found necessary against the reality that despite their numerical strength, youth were
not well represented in the national, political, social- economic and development processes.
Upon inception, the Ministry coordinated and mainstreamed youth issues in the national
development agenda. In order to integrate and harmonize issues affecting youth and sports
development, the Government, through the Presidential Circular No. 1/2008 reorganized the
Ministry to include the Department of Sports to what was called the Ministry of Youth Affairs
and Sports (MoYAS). In 2006, the National Youth Policy was formulated by the former Ministry
of Youth Affairs and Sports to guide and mainstream youth-related interventions. The National
Youth Policy envisaged the establishment of a
National Youth Council to facilitate, coordinate, monitor, advocate and promote youth issues
and youthled initiatives.

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In 2007, the Government formulated and launched the National Plan of Action for Youth
Employment (2008 - 2012) to outline the country’s youth and employment strategy and to
respond to the challenges of youth unemployment. The Plan emphasized the importance of a
coordinated and multi-sectoral approach to addressing the problem of youth unemployment.
In the same year (2007), the Government formulated the Kenya Vision 2030 as a long-term
development strategy to steer the country to a sustained growth and development path. The
country’s policy blueprint advocates for integration and harmonization of all issues affecting the
youth into every aspect of public policy and across all Ministries, Departments and Government
Agencies (MDAs). It identified youthempowerment centres, sports and music as key flagship
projects that were to be implemented to accord the youth a chance to excel in various aspects
of life.
Through Executive Order No. 2 of May 2013, the Directorate of Youth Affairs was put under the
Ministry of Devolution and Planning. Under the new government structure, youth training is
part of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST); while sports, music and art,
which are major aspects of youth empowerment are under the Ministry of Sports, Culture and
The Arts.
The Ministry of Devolution and Planning, as detailed in its Strategic Plan 2013/14 - 2017/18, is
now responsible for integration of youth issues into national planning and development
including the implementation of programmes and projects geared towards empowering youth
and providing them with skills and financial resources to play a positive and productive role in
the society. The reorganization has seen mainstreaming of youth related issues in all MDAs
through establishment of youth mainstreaming coordination units in all sectors.
To promote the effectiveness in programming, implementation, monitoring and evaluation,
complementary institutions such as the National Youth Service (NYS), Youth Enterprise
Development Fund (YEDF) and the National Youth Council (NYC) were established as semi-
autonomous agencies in the Directorate.
Despite the efforts and milestones achieved, national policies on youth empowerment are yet
to realize meaningful impact. This is due to limited financial and human resource capacities as
well as inadequate coordination of interventions among implementing agencies. Therefore, the
NYES seek to propose an allinclusive approach during policies formulation and review processes,
implementation, monitoring and evaluation of youth empowerment programmes.

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Often, youth have been perceived as leaders of the future and as such continue to face
exclusion from political, social and economic leadership. In addition, youth are often used by
political leaders to perpetrate violence and to advance partisan agenda without considering
their plight, especially during election campaigns.
Youth participation entails involving youth in responsible, challenging action that meet their
genuine needs, with opportunity for planning in an activity whose impact, consequences or
decision making processes affect others.
Kenya is a signatory to regional and international commitments which call for enhanced youth
participation and representation in national and international forums and in other socio-
economic spheres of development. It is vivid that participation of youth in key decision making
processes on national issues has been minimal. Young people have limited opportunities to
express themselves and to participate in productive ventures even at the community level
where they are commonly perceived as being idle and not concerned about the community’s
well-being thus frequently excluded from public forums/debates.
The importance of understanding youth participation comes from two complementary angles:
youth as targeted consumers for a range of public services intended to ameliorate social
inclusion and vulnerability, and youth as strategic actors in the development process. Within
this framework, the promotion of volunteer work emerges as a possible central element in
public policies relating to youth. Large scale youth participation can thus become a force in
programmes for fighting poverty, literacy campaigns and the construction of community
infrastructure or environmental management.
Youth participation assumes that young people everywhere have aspirations and want to
participate fully in the lives of their communities; are key agents for social change, economic
development and technological innovation; Should live under conditions that encourage their
imagination, ideals, energy and vision flourish to the benefit of their communities; are
confronted by a paradox: to seek to be integrated in the existing society or to serve as a force to
transform it; are social and demographic groups that are vulnerable to an uncertain future, even
though they represent society’s greatest hope.
Youth participation can: Help those youth involved form higher aspirations, gain confidence,
attain resources, improve skills and knowledge, change attitudes and develop more meaningful
relationships with adults; foster resilience by giving youth opportunities to contribute to family,
community and society; enhance young people’s social competence, problem-solving skills,
autonomy and a sense of purpose; help young people be more open to learning, engaging in
critical dialogue, exercising creativity and taking initiative; Youth participation is characterised
by: Young people having a certain level of empowerment, responsibility and decision-making
powers and existence of youth - adults partnerships; this entails integration of realistic

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perspectives and skills of youth with the experience and wisdom of adults; offers each party the
opportunity to make suggestions and take decisions; recognises and values the contribution of
both the youth and adults.
Effective youth participation occurs when adults and young people work together during
programme/project planning, implementation, and evaluation. Youth are not alienated from
adults oradult-led institutions during to development of their communities. The underlying
foundation of this approach is the meaningful partnership that exists between youth and other
development partners.
Effective participation of the youth in leadership and governance is necessary for realization of
Vision 2030 aspirations. In addition, the Government in partnership with key stakeholders have
an obligation to provide a supportive environment where youth leadership abilities can be
nurtured, ideals of volunteerism and community service upheld and national values entrenched
among the youth.
The Government, through the National Youth Service, has spearheaded the Five Point Vision
which inspires the youth to give back to the community. Leadership training and mentoring
programmes have also been implemented by government agencies and civil society
organizations. The Government through the National Youth Council Act, 2009, established the
National Youth Council - a youth led agency that champions the interests of the youth.
The establishment of the National Youth Council (NYC) and its anchoring on the National Youth
Council (NYC) Act (2009) is an important step towards ensuring effective coordination of youth-
related interventions, and involvement of the youth in the planning, implementation,
monitoring and evaluation of the youth interventions.
As stated in the National Youth Policy, the Council is mandated to facilitate, advocate and
promote youth issues and youth-led initiatives. The Council exists to champion youth issues by
ensuring there is effective representation, meaningful participation and engagement of youth in
all national development processes.
NYC advocates for the creation of an enabling environment for young people to ascend to
positions of leadership in politics as well as in business.
Established in December 2012 and given its blossoming stage, the NYC is in the process of
putting in place elaborate institutional and operational structures to facilitate effective
implementation of its functions.
There are a number of Youth Serving / Led Organizations in the country that are championing
the youth agenda.

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3.2.3 Employment and Skills Development

The youth represents an important segment of Kenya’s population. Consistent with the
population growth rate, the youth population has been increasing over time. The number of
youth almost tripled from 4.94 million in 1979 to 13.67 million in 2009. It is projected that
Kenya’s population will be 46.33 million by 2015, 52.56 million by 2020, 59.06 million by 2025
and 65.93 million by 2030 with at least one in every three Kenyans being a youth.
Further analysis of the youth data shows that the proportion of the youth in the age cohorts of
15-19, 20-24, 25-29 and 30-34 have at all times been higher than that of the adult cohorts.
Consequently the youth constituted 66.60 per cent of the adult population in 2009 up from
62.67 per cent in 1979. The high proportion of the youth as a share of the total adult population
indicates that Kenya is experiencing a youth bulge.
The current youth bulge offers Kenya an opportunity to turn the demographic dividend into jobs
and economic growth by developing appropriate skills, delivering critical services such as
education and family planning and improving its policy and institutional environment for high
productivity job creation. Evidence for the demographic dividend can be seen in the Asian
economies between 1965 and 1990, where fertility and dependence ratios fell dramatically, and
the size and proportion of the working-age population grew, triggering rapid economic growth.

a) Youth un/employment
According to the World Development Report [WDR] (2007), employment marks an important
transition period for young people and it is characterized by independence, increased
responsibility and active participation in national building as well as social development. A
successful transition to work for many young people can accelerate poverty reduction and boost
economic growth.
The International Labour organization (ILO, 2009) states the importance of decent employment
for all people; thus, ‘A central part of people’s lives is at work, and whether women and men
have decent work has a significant impact on individual, family and community well-being. The
absence of decent and productive work is the primary cause of poverty and social instability.’In
the midst of all these it is regrettable to note that majority of Kenya’s young people continue to
be unemployed, underemployed or underpaid and are therefore in the swelling ranks of the
working poor. In fact, according to the International Labour Office (ILO, 1995), the vast majority
of jobs available to youth are low paying, insecure, and with few benefits or prospects for
advancement. Hence, creation of adequate employment opportunities to absorb the rapidly
growing labour force remains one of the greatest challenges in Kenya and indeed in many other
countries of the world.

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Further, a large proportion of young adults and a rapid rate of growth in the working-age
population tend to aggravate a number of negative trends, including unemployment, prolonged
dependency on parents, diminishing self-esteem and frustrations, and increased likelihood of
violence or conflict.
Unemployment causes social problems such as crime, drug abuse, vandalism, religious
fanaticism and general alienation in the vicious circle of poverty. These patterns will persist in
the future if no holistic approach is initiated to alter the employment challenges facing the
youth.
Kenya’s unemployment is mainly attributed to slow growth and weak labour absorptive capacity
of the economy, mismatch in skills development and demand, imperfect information flow and
inherent rigidities within the country’s labour market and young people face unique challenges
in accessing the labour market.
Kenya’s unemployment increased from 6.7 percent in 1978 to 25.1 percent in 1998/1999 before
easing to12.7 percent in 2005/2006. There were variations in unemployment amongst the
different age cohorts, with the youth category (15-34) recording relatively higher rates of
unemployment. The overall youth unemployment has persistently been at least double the
national unemployment rate.
In 2009, for example, the level of open unemployment amongst the youth was about 35 per
cent compared to 10 per cent for adults. This means that young people were at least three
times as likely as adults to be hit by open unemployment. It is also important to note that the
chances for employment among the youth differ depending on their age, education, social
status, gender and origin.
Open unemployment rates among the youth aged 18 to 20 years was 35 per cent while the
youth joining the labour market aged between 15 and 16 years faced open unemployment rates
of above 20 per cent in 2009. Those aged around 25 and 30 years experienced open
unemployment rates of 25 and 15 per cent, respectively.
Youth employability is influenced by various factors. The level of education is one such
factorback to the rural areas. Others, however, opt to remain in the urban towns thereby
swelling the ranks of the urban unemployed and discouraged young job seekers.
In regard to gender, young females are hard hit by unemployment as compared to young males.
By 2009, female youth bore unemployment rate of close to 50 per cent as compared to about
30 per cent for males. At a higher age, the female youth were three times more likely to be
unemployed than the male youth. Females at age 34 years, for example, recorded
unemployment rates of above 15 per cent compared to 5 per cent for male youth. In relative
terms, unemployment affects urban females most and rural males the least. In real numbers,

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however, rural females are by far the largest group of unemployed youth, followed by urban
females. Urban males are the smallest group.
Economic, social and cultural barriers prevent Youth with Disabilities from fully participating and
benefiting from empowerment opportunities. Youth empowerment programmes, in many cases
fail to specifically identify youth with disabilities as a target group and even when identified,
such youth still face many obstacles. These barriers can be overcome by ensuring that the
inclusion of youth with disabilities is an integral dimension of the design, implementation and
monitoring and evaluation of interventions.
b) Labour market dynamics
Both the formal and informal segments of Kenya's labor market exist simultaneously. Research
demonstrates that formal sector jobs are declining steadily, while the significance of
employment in the informal sector is on the rise. Ever since 1991, there has been a notable
growth in employment within the unorganized sector. In Kenya, the formal sector experienced
employment losses starting from this period due to the implementation of liberalization
policies, a new governmental approach that aimed to foster the expansion and advancement of
the informal and Jua Kali Sector (1992), and the adoption of a broader and more consistent
method of collecting data on the informal sector for national statistics.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that a majority of employers in Kenya, including those in the
public sector, are increasingly employing casual, temporary, part-time, contract, sub-contracted,
and outsourced workers. This approach aims to decrease labor expenses, enhance managerial
flexibility, and exert more control over the workforce. Consequently, this practice results in the
depoliticization of recruitment and termination processes, making it easier for businesses to
bypass labor laws and trade union rights. The increase in this tendency is primarily caused by
the desire to remain globally competitive and the lenient enforcement of labor laws, resulting in
young people being disproportionately affected. Casual workers face challenges in asserting
their basic worker rights, such as the freedom to associate and engage in collective bargaining,
the entitlement to paid time off for sickness, maternity, and annual leaves, and the access to
social protection provided by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the National Hospital
Insurance Fund (NHIF). This discovery sharply contradicts the country's goal of reducing poverty
and ensuring social protection. The informal sector will continue to have a significant role in job
creation, while the private sector will remain the primary source of wage employment in the
country, representing around 70% of all wage employment.
In the UNDP's 2013 study on youth involvement in Household Enterprises (HHEs), it was found
that HHEs have a notable impact on employment. In 2004/5, approximately 1.7 million
households had at least one household enterprise, making up 25% of all families. Most of these
HHEs are situated in rural areas. When taking into account both owners and employees, HHEs

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employ approximately 5 million people. While many impoverished households own HHEs, not
all businesses are owned by such households. Youth are heavily involved in the operation of
HHEs. Although adults control the majority of businesses, adolescents own 37% of them – more
in cities than in rural areas. The age range 30 to 34 has the biggest percentage of the youth; in
metropolitan areas, the age group 25 to 34 is actively involved. HHE ownership peaks shortly
before 30 years in cities and after 35 years in rural areas.
The vast majority of HHEs work in services, with agriculture coming in second. Youth, on the
other hand, are underrepresented in agricultural activities, probably due to a lack of access to
land and assets. In this regard, the informal sector continues to be the most important
employment, followed by agriculture and manufacturing.
Increasing young people's options for productive work in rural areas is undoubtedly the most
important motivator for reducing youth unemployment in both rural and urban settings.
Agriculture employs more than two-thirds of young people working in rural areas. This makes
agricultural sector modernization, raising productivity and competitiveness, enhancing agri-
business, and promoting value-addition across the entire agriculture sector value chain a key
road to solving youth unemployment, particularly in rural areas.
As a result, if effectively harnessed, the rising oil, gas, and mining industries will be another key
source of youth employment in Kenya. Over the next ten years, the oil, gas, and mining
industries are expected to provide between 6,000 and 15,000 additional jobs. Through its
upstream demands, the industry will also support between 42,000 and 98,000 jobs over the
next ten years. It is necessary to identify value chain entry points and build skills among the
youth in order for them to participate in and benefit from developing opportunities.

c) Youth Skills development

Several initiatives for youth employment and skill development have been established in Kenya.
These initiatives can be categorized as policy-related and programmatic actions. Their main
goals are to influence labor supply and demand dynamics and enhance the alignment between
the labor market's supply and demand sides. Additionally, policy initiatives aim to establish the
necessary institutions for coordinating youth-related matters.

In 2010, the Ministry of Devolution and Planning, in collaboration with the ILO and with support
from the Danish Government, initiated the "Youth Entrepreneurship Facility" technical
cooperation project. A key focus of this project was to identify evidence-based practices for
youth entrepreneurship, shedding light on effective and cost-efficient strategies for youth
development programs.

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The "Evidence-Based Youth Employment Programmes: Global Good Practice" recommends that
effective entrepreneurship programs should focus on teaching young people about markets,
helping them access business financing, and providing entrepreneurship training. For skills
training programs, it's important to take a comprehensive approach to training, cooperate with
potential employers, employ appropriate targeting strategies, and ensure high-quality trainers.

Key features of employment services programs include accurate labor market information,
working with private providers, offering one-stop centers, using tiered service delivery, and
monitoring performance targets.

These initiatives primarily focus on providing vocational education and training, helping young
people acquire skills and work experience, improving their entrepreneurial abilities, financing
youth-led businesses, and integrating young workers into employment opportunities as labor
demand grows. Some of these initiatives also involve assisting young people in searching for
jobs abroad, creating employment through public works programs, and supporting self-
employment, particularly in the informal sector.
The implementation of youth empowerment initiatives in Kenya has encountered several
challenges that could hinder their ability to create full employment opportunities. These
initiatives and their associated challenges are outlined in the following sections within their
respective categories.
d) Employability Skills
In 2014, the Ministry of Devolution and Planning, working together with Development Partners,
conducted a survey with the goal of understanding how employers perceive the youth and
identifying what's needed for Kenya's private sector to create jobs for young people.

The survey uncovered various findings. Industry professionals identified both strengths and
weaknesses among young employees. The strengths included well-trained and skilled youth
who are eager to learn and adapt, creative, innovative, and tech-savvy. They also observed that
university graduates tend to be quicker learners and more adaptable than diploma and
certificate holders, with private university graduates being preferred due to their perceived
interpersonal skills.

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However, there were also weaknesses noted, such as a lack of specific job-related skills, soft
skills, commitment to work, and a preference for personal rather than organizational growth.
University graduates, despite their academic qualifications, were seen as averse to manual and
menial work.

The survey also revealed that apprenticeship and volunteerism were not widely practiced, both
in public and private sector organizations. This was attributed to limited awareness of
volunteerism among young people, their need to focus on income-generating activities, a lack
of policy guidance for engaging volunteers, concerns about trade union reactions, and a
perception that volunteerism might be exploitative and in conflict with the Constitution's Article
41.
They include the following
- Industry-relevant education and training;
- A structured internship and industrial attachment system;
- Effective and institutionalized linkage and exchange program with industry;
- Investment in shared infrastructure between industry and learning institutions with a
capacity-building program for lecturers, tutors, and instructors;
- Undertake tracer studies of graduates so as to gauge the relevance and level of uptake of
learning programs;
- Design and implement professional-based mentorship programs;
- Effective partnerships between development partners and training institutions to fund
infrastructure development, research and re-training;
- Development of a labour market information system;
- Development and implementation of policies, legal and institutional framework to guide
volunteerism, internships, and industrial attachment;
- Provision of subsidies and tax rebates to organizations providing internship/industrial
attachment
opportunities;
- Strengthen the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) so as to facilitate more
internships and apprenticeship opportunities and make timely refunds.

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e)Business Innovation and Incubation Initiatives:

Business innovation and incubation are becoming more and more popular in Kenya, especially
in both public and private universities. These universities, like Kenyatta University, the University
of Nairobi, Kenya College of Accountancy University, and Strathmore University, have
established centers for business innovation and incubation.

These centers offer those they support (incubatees) workspace, mentoring, coaching, access to
initial funding, and connections to potential investors. Some of these centers receive support
from private sector initiatives, while others rely on funding from the universities themselves.
The major challenges facing these initiatives include:
i. Most business innovation and incubation centers are yet to tap into government youth-
targeted funding opportunities such as those availed through YEDF, WEF, and the Uwezo Fund.
This is because the design and structure of the Funds do not facilitate access by the centers and
the young innovators and incubates.
ii. Some of the business ideas that are nurtured and developed at the business innovation and
incubation centers require large amounts of capital that do not fit within the thresholds of the
government youth-targe Funds.
iii. innovation and incubation mostly require venture capital or grants and not loans since
they essentially offer grounds for developing and testing prototypes.
iv. The business innovation and incubation model is still limited to the three cities of Nairobi,
Mombasa and Kisumu.
v. Some of the business innovation and incubation centers also do not offer an integrated
program that includes skills upgrading, mentorship and coaching, business financing, and
financial guarantee schemes.
The Kenya National Youth Situation Analysis Report, known as 'SITAN' from 2009, highlights
significant untapped talent among young people, particularly in sports and the performing arts.
This untapped potential can be nurtured to create new opportunities for earning a living.
Besides excelling in sports, Kenyan youth are known for their creativity, innovation, and
proficiency in technology. Science and technology play a crucial role in economic growth, and

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many young Kenyans have contributed to the country's reputation as a hub for information and
communication technology (ICT).

To harness these talents, the jubilee manifesto proposes the establishment of talent academies
and innovation centers to support the emerging generation of highly creative individuals.

Various international treaties and conventions provide guidelines for talent development. For
instance, Article 29 of the UN Convention on the Rights of The Child (1989) and Article 11 of the
African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1999) emphasize the development of
individual talents and abilities. The Jomtien Education for All framework stresses equitable
access to appropriate learning and life skills programs for all young people.

The Kenyan Constitution of 2010, under the Bill of Rights, underscores the need for state organs
to address the educational and other needs of vulnerable groups in society, including those with
special talents.

Despite existing references to talent in various government legal and policy frameworks, there is
currently no clear policy addressing the needs of the gifted and talented. The National Youth
Policy of 2006 aims to engage youth in the development of the country and outlines Focus
Areas to address their role in sports, recreation, arts, and culture.

Recognizing talent as a vital tool for national development and improving young people's
employability for sustainable livelihoods, it's crucial to develop coherent policies and legal
frameworks to capture the contribution of this industry and enhance its recognition in
addressing youth issues. The Medium-Term Plan II (MTP II) of Kenya's Vision 2030 outlines the
formulation of the National Youth Talent Development Bill and the establishment of the
National Youth Talent Development Authority.

3.2.5 Agriculture, Environmental Management and Sustainable Development

a) Youth and Agriculture:

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Agriculture plays a central role in Kenya's economy and is a vital source of livelihood for many
people. It directly contributes 26% to the annual GDP and another 25% indirectly. This sector
also makes up 65% of Kenya's total exports and provides over 70% of informal jobs in rural
areas. The agricultural sector consists of six subsectors: industrial crops, food crops,
horticulture, livestock, fisheries, and forestry.

The Agricultural Sector Development Strategy 2010-2020 (ASDS) serves as the primary national
policy framework for Kenya's agricultural sector ministries and stakeholders. This policy aligns
with the long-term development plan, Vision 2030, which aims to elevate Kenya to a middle-
income country by 2030.

Within the Vision 2030, the agricultural sector is a key driver for achieving the targeted 10%
annual economic growth rate. The sector has set a goal to achieve an average growth rate of 7%
by 2015. The current agricultural development strategy emphasizes increasing productivity,
commercialization, and competitiveness of agricultural products and businesses.

However, it's important to note that the average age of Kenyan farmers is 55 years. Many young
people in Kenya are more inclined to move to urban areas in pursuit of white and blue-collar
jobs, leaving the practice of agriculture to older individuals who should ideally be enjoying their
retirement.
To achieve the agricultural development goals outlined in Vision 2030, it's clear that a fresh
business approach is necessary. The full potential of both youth and women, who have not
been fully utilized, can serve as significant catalysts for this transformation.
The following factors have been identified as inhibiting youth participation in agriculture:

i. School-to-work transition: The school curricula have generally tended to alienate the youth
from careers in agriculture, and as a result the negative effects of the youth study-to-work
transition have been more extensive in the agricultural sector than in any other sector.
Agriculture is considered to be an occupation of last resort.

ii. Access to land and other capital assets: Access to productive land is an impediment for both
the youth and some women in agriculture. Traditional systems bestow land ownership to family
heads, invariably the senior male of a household. This restricts ability of youth to have access to

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land on which they can invest. For married, whereas they may have access to productive land
from their husbands, they often do not have control over its usage.

iii. Low returns on time and input investments: The traditional staples are slow to mature, risky
and often yield low returns

iv. Seasonality of income: This is tied to rainfall/ harvest cycles. This means that for long periods
oftime, the youth would have no income.

v. Lack of sufficient innovations in the sector leading to reliance on traditional and arduous
labour based production techniques.

vi. Concentration on a narrow range of agricultural commodities mainly staple crops.

vii. Low investment in the infrastructure such as roads, hubs for produce consolidation, cooler
houses and processing plants necessary for evolving of efficient value chains.

viii. Underutilization of ICT for production and market information.

ix. Non inclusive Policies that exclude youth participation in their formulation and
implementation as well as the need to look into new policies that best reflect the current
economic, social and political climate.

x. Lack of access to funding by youth for agricultural purposes.

Agriculture industry without the young people's energy, innovation and passion is doomed.
Therefore, initiatives that promote profitable agriculture for employment creation, income
generation, food security, and economic development in Kenya have to be put in place. These
may include:

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i. Rebranding of agriculture so as to address the long held belief that agriculture and rural areas
are for those who cannot make a livelihood anywhere else. Agriculture needs to be rebranded
as thenew unexplored frontier for growth in business opportunities.

ii. Specialization by re-directing and training youth to focus either on production, processing or
marketing instead of trying to carry out all activities in a value chain.

iii. Developing of innovative financial packages that provide incentives for entrepreneurs in the
sector with the diverse production and marketing conditions and risk factors in mind. The
Government and Micro Finance Institutions need to develop a variety of guarantee schemes
that would underwrite the risks involved in such packages and invest sufficiently in the same.

iv. Investment in value addition through processing, branding, quality, shelf life improvements
would lead to higher prices, new jobs and eventually increased aggregate incomes in
agriculture. There is also need to improve the performance of the agricultural value chains in
Kenya if they have to deliver reasonable returns to all the actors. Currently the value chains for
the different commodities are long, un-transparent and cluttered with many players making
them inefficient, slow and unresponsive to the needs of particularly the producers. A
comprehensive approach to value chains for various commodities should be a challenge that
the national as well as each County Government should be persuaded to undertake in
partnerships - involving the youth and the private sector.

v. Sufficient investment in irrigation and other water harvesting technologies to facilitate full
time engagement of the youth and shorten waiting time for economic returns.

vi. Digitization of agricultural production and marketing information into web-based resources.
This would enable wider access and use since the few available extension officers don’t reach all
farmers in all locations. The youth could actively participate in the generation, posting,
management and utilization of this information.

vii. Investment in emerging livestock and agricultural technologies such as guinea fowls, rats,
fish farming, quails, horticulture, herbs etc
b)Youth, Environment and sustainable development

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Kenya boasts abundant natural resources, including plant and animal biodiversity, fresh water,
minerals, and diverse land. Approximately 80% of the country's economy relies directly or
indirectly on the use of these natural resources, encompassing agriculture, minerals, tourism,
fisheries, timber, and other wood products, as well as industries tied to agriculture. Over 70% of
the population in rural areas depend on their immediate environment for their daily livelihood.
Nevertheless, current practices and the rate of resource exploitation may not be sustainable.

The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972 led
to the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), headquartered in
Nairobi. Since then, there has been significant growth, both nationally and internationally, in
environmental initiatives that impact the quality of life on Earth.

The UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992,

attended by Kenya, aimed to build global partnerships among nations and key societal sectors to
protect the environment. This meeting produced 27 action principles for sustainable
development known as Agenda 21. Chapter 25 of Agenda 21 emphasized the active
participation of youth in decision-making processes, as their lives and future are directly
affected by these decisions.

The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg in 2002 approved
the World Programme of Action on Youth. This program recommended integrating
environmental education into school curricula and training programs, as well as strengthening
the involvement of young people in environmental preservation and improvement.

The Kenyan government established the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
in 1999 to oversee environmental activities. NEMA's role includes implementing policies related
to the environment, such as the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-
2014. In consultation with stakeholders, NEMA developed an Education for Sustainable
Development (ESD) Implementation Strategy.

The Kenya National Youth Policy (2006) recognizes environmental challenges facing young
people and emphasizes their involvement in environmental protection and conservation. This
includes activities like awareness campaigns, tree planting, clean-up efforts, and advocating for

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biodiversity conservation. The policy also recommends strategies for addressing environmental
degradation and enhancing youth participation in decision-making processes.

Poverty and unsustainable livelihoods have exerted undue pressure on natural resources,
leading to issues such as food insecurity and declining nutritional status. Pastoralists in arid and
semi-arid lands (ASALs) migrate to less sustainable locations during droughts, posing long-term
sustainability challenges. Natural and human-made disasters disproportionately impact the
poor, and issues like HIV/AIDS, civil strife, and resource conflicts also affect environmental
conservation. Trans-boundary and regional initiatives for resource conservation across
international borders are needed, and careful consideration of the environmental impact of
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is essential. Gender and youth mainstreaming in
society's various levels are positive developments, given that youth are significant stakeholders
in environmental management.

The objective of the environmental component of this strategy is to raise environmental

awareness among young people, increase their participation in environmental stewardship and
sustainable development, and create partnerships and networks to bolster youth-related
environmental programs.

3.2.6 Health, Crime, Drug and Substance Abuse

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete well-being,
encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects, not merely the absence of disease or
infirmity. The health of young people in Kenya is influenced by a combination of factors,
including individual, societal, institutional, and economic elements.

In general, many African countries have limited resources for health, and poverty is
predominantly a rural issue. However, it is increasingly becoming a problem in urban areas due
to rural-to-urban migration. Studies in various countries have shown a connection between
health, economic growth, and poverty reduction. Improved income can lead to better health,
which, in turn, contributes to wealth accumulation and poverty reduction. Good health also
enhances labor productivity by reducing absenteeism and increasing work effort, labor
participation, and wages.

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In Kenya, disparities in the distribution of healthcare facilities continue to affect the affordability
and accessibility of medical care. Statistics reveal that only 42% of the population has access to
medical facilities within four kilometers and 75% within eight kilometers. The shortage of
medical personnel poses challenges to addressing healthcare needs, especially among the
youth. Currently, there is one doctor for every 33,000 people in rural areas and 1,700 in urban
areas, and only 12% of health facilities are considered youth-friendly.

The health sector is a crucial component of Kenya's Vision 2030, focusing on providing equitable
and affordable healthcare with an emphasis on access, quality, capacity, and institutional
support. Health policy plays a vital role in addressing equity and socioeconomic aspects within
the vision.

Today, health concerns among youth have expanded beyond traditional issues like malaria,
tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted diseases. The rapid spread of HIV/AIDS and drug abuse is
a major concern. Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis,
and substance abuse, are increasingly common among young people. Reproductive health,
teenage pregnancies, and abortion are also significant challenges for youth. Common health
problems include malaria, acute respiratory infections, skin infections, intestinal worms, and
diarrhea.

Existing healthcare facilities are not youth-friendly, and there is a need for centers that offer
preventive and curative healthcare services for young people. Accessible health information for
youth is also crucial.

HIV/AIDS is a significant barrier to development in most counties, except those in northeastern

Kenya. Specific concerns include the vulnerability of orphans, sexual abuse, cultural practices
that facilitate disease spread, and the stigma faced by young people living with HIV, which can
impact their education.

Drug and substance abuse is associated with a higher risk of HIV infection, particularly among
injection drug users. Strategies are needed to reduce infection risks among drug users and those
who abuse substances.

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In summary, addressing the healthcare needs of young people in Kenya is a complex challenge
that involves multiple factors, including healthcare access, information dissemination, and
tackling specific health issues like HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, and mental health.

Soulution and summary/conclusion

Empowering the youth is a complex and essential concept central to the development of a
thriving, inclusive society. It encompasses the provision of the necessary resources,
opportunities, and support to help young individuals reach their full potential. In today's rapidly
evolving world, the significance of youth empowerment is greater than ever, as it not only
benefits the younger generation but also contributes to the welfare of society as a whole. This
essay delves into the importance of youth empowerment, explores potential solutions, and
concludes with the notion that investing in our youth is an investment in a brighter future.

Youth Empowerment Solutions:

1. Education and Skill Enhancement:One of the most potent methods for empowering the
younger generation is by offering high-quality education and skill development opportunities.
Equipping them with knowledge and practical abilities equips them to navigate the complexities
of the modern job market and make meaningful contributions to society. Collaboration between
governments, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions is key to
establishing accessible, relevant, and adaptable educational programs that cater to the diverse
needs of young people.

2. Mentorship and Guidance: The youth greatly benefit from mentorship and guidance, as
experienced individuals can assist them in setting goals, making informed decisions, and
building self-confidence. The creation of mentorship programs in communities, schools, and
workplaces fosters strong relationships between young individuals and their mentors, providing
invaluable support and encouragement.

3. Youth Engagement and Participation: Encouraging active involvement of young people in

decision-making processes and community activities not only empowers them but also fosters
the development of democratic societies. Initiatives such as youth councils, leadership

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development programs, and community service opportunities promote civic engagement,

critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility among the youth.
Conclusion:

Youth empowerment is more than a noble pursuit; it is an investment in our collective future.
By supplying the youth with the necessary tools and opportunities, we ensure they are well-
prepared to confront the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future. Nurturing an
environment where young individuals can thrive is a societal obligation. By investing in their
education, providing mentorship, and encouraging their active participation, we lay the
foundation for a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future, allowing the potential of our
youth to reach its full realization.

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