Youth unemployment in Kenya remains a major concern, with recent data showing significant disparities.
While the overall unemployment rate in the country is around 12.7%, the youth (ages 15–34) face a much higher unemployment rate of 67%. This statistic is particularly concerning, given that youth make up 35% of the Kenyan population. Approximately one million young people enter the job market annually, many lacking the skills or opportunities needed to secure employment(Federation of Kenya Employers).
Additionally, youth unemployment is not equally distributed across different age groups. According to the World Bank, the unemployment rate for youth ages 15–24 is around 22.9%, reflecting ongoing difficulties in integrating young workers into the economy(World Bank Data).
The problem is compounded by a job market dominated by informal, low-paying, and unstable work opportunities, making it hard for young Kenyans to find sustainable livelihoods.
Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts from both government and private sectors to foster economic growth, improve education, and support entrepreneurial initiatives for the youth.
Impact of Youth Unemployment on the Kenyan Economy
Youth unemployment in Kenya has far-reaching consequences for the country’s economic growth and development.
When such a significant portion of the population is not economically engaged, the country loses out on the innovation, energy, and productivity that these individuals could contribute. This stagnation not only lowers national output but also reduces the overall tax base, weakening government revenue collection needed for infrastructure, social services, and public investments.
Unemployment also leads to high dependency rates as young people remain financially reliant on their families and communities. This creates economic strain at the household level, limiting consumption and investment, which are key drivers of economic growth. In addition, the absence of stable income for the youth pushes many into informal employment or illegal activities, perpetuating inequality and exacerbating social problems.
Furthermore, youth unemployment undermines the social fabric of Kenya by fostering feelings of disenfranchisement and exclusion among young people. Disillusioned youth are more likely to become involved in antisocial behaviors such as crime, drug abuse, and political violence, which can destabilize communities and deter potential investors. This not only hinders the economic advancement of the country but also impacts national stability.
Effects of Youth Unemployment on Stability and Advancement
The high rate of youth unemployment in Kenya poses significant risks to the country’s social and political stability.
Unemployed youth, especially those with higher education qualifications, often feel marginalized and disenfranchised, which can lead to frustration, hopelessness, and a loss of confidence in the government.
These feelings have, on numerous occasions, translated into social unrest, as seen in past protests and political demonstrations involving young people.
In addition to contributing to political instability, youth unemployment limits social mobility. Young people (popularly GenZs) without jobs struggle to improve their living conditions, access better healthcare, and provide quality education for their children.
This perpetuates the cycle of poverty and stymies Kenya’s progress toward becoming a more equitable society. The exclusion of youth from meaningful employment opportunities prevents the country from harnessing their potential to contribute to national development.
Moreover, the lack of employment among the youth has led to a growing brain drain as young, educated Kenyans seek opportunities abroad. This exodus of skilled labor deprives the country of talent and innovation that could otherwise contribute to national advancement.
It is, therefore, critical for Kenya to address youth unemployment as a matter of urgency to ensure both stability and long-term development.
Agriculture as the Ultimate Solution to Youth Unemployment
Agriculture has been identified as a key sector in addressing youth unemployment in Kenya.
The sector contributes 30% directly to the country’s annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and an additional 27% indirectly. Despite its potential, agriculture remains underexploited, particularly by the youth, who often view it as unappealing. However, with more than 75% of the Kenyan population residing in rural areas and depending on agriculture for livelihood, the sector offers vast opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
Engaging the youth in agriculture would not only reduce unemployment but also modernize the sector, transitioning it from traditional subsistence farming to innovative, commercially oriented agribusinesses.
The Kenya Youth Agribusiness Strategy, developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, seeks to provide new opportunities for youth in agriculture by tapping into the agricultural value chains, ranging from production to processing and marketing. By integrating youth into these value chains, the sector can contribute to sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, and food security.
The youth are the best drivers of agriculture in Kenya due to their potential for adopting new technologies, innovative practices, and entrepreneurial approaches. With the right training and support, young people can transform agriculture into a modern and profitable sector.
Their energy, creativity, and ability to leverage digital tools position them to lead a revolution in agribusiness that can enhance productivity, improve supply chains, and create sustainable jobs.
Reasons Kenyan Youth Are Not Engaged in Agriculture
- Perception of Agriculture as Low-Status Work: Many young Kenyans view agriculture as an outdated, labor-intensive, and low-income profession. It is often associated with rural poverty and is considered less prestigious compared to white-collar jobs in urban areas.
- Lack of Access to Land: Access to land remains one of the biggest barriers to youth involvement in agriculture. Inheritance practices favor older family members, and acquiring land through purchase or leasing is often too expensive for young people.
- Limited Access to Capital: Agricultural enterprises require investment in inputs, tools, and technology. However, many young people lack access to financial services or credit. Financial institutions are often hesitant to lend to young farmers due to a lack of collateral and perceived risk.
- Inadequate Knowledge and Skills: The education system in Kenya does not adequately prepare young people for careers in agriculture. There is limited agricultural training at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, leaving many youth without the necessary skills to pursue agribusiness.
- Lack of Exposure to Agribusiness Opportunities: Many young people are unaware of the vast opportunities within the agricultural value chain beyond traditional farming. This lack of exposure discourages them from venturing into agriculture as they do not see it as a viable career path.
- Poor Infrastructure in Rural Areas: Rural areas, where agriculture is predominantly practiced, often lack the necessary infrastructure, such as good roads, reliable electricity, and water supply. This makes agricultural production more challenging and less appealing to young people.
- Low Profit Margins: Agriculture in Kenya is often characterized by low profit margins due to high input costs, post-harvest losses, and market volatility. Young people are discouraged from joining a sector where the return on investment seems uncertain.
- Unpredictable Weather and Climate Change: Agriculture is highly dependent on weather conditions. Unpredictable rainfall patterns, droughts, and floods caused by climate change have made farming riskier, discouraging young people from engaging in the sector.
- Lack of Agricultural Technology Adoption: While young people are generally tech-savvy, they often lack access to modern farming technologies such as mechanized tools, irrigation systems, and cold storage facilities, which can improve productivity and profitability.
- Inconsistent Government Policies: Government policies on agriculture are often inconsistent, with limited follow-through on programs aimed at supporting youth in agriculture. This lack of policy continuity leaves young farmers without the long-term support needed to thrive.
- Poor Access to Markets: Even when young people engage in agriculture, they often struggle to access markets for their produce. Middlemen, poor market information, and lack of infrastructure make it difficult to sell products at fair prices.
- Negative Attitudes from Society: Young people involved in agriculture often face negative societal attitudes. Farming is sometimes seen as a last resort for those who failed to secure formal employment, further discouraging youth from entering the sector.
- Land Tenure Insecurity: For those who can access land, tenure insecurity remains a problem. Young farmers who lease land face the risk of losing it due to conflicts, unclear ownership, or short-term agreements, which discourages long-term investment in the land.
- Lack of Mentorship and Role Models: Few young farmers have access to mentors or role models in the agricultural sector. Without guidance from successful individuals in the field, it is difficult for youth to navigate the challenges of starting and sustaining an agribusiness.
- Limited Government Investment in Rural Development: While there have been efforts to boost agriculture, there remains insufficient government investment in rural areas, particularly in terms of developing infrastructure, training, and financial support. This neglect makes agriculture less attractive to youth.
Policy Recommendations for Involving Youth in Agriculture
- Improve Access to Land for Youth: The government should implement policies that make it easier for young people to access land through affordable leasing options, youth land banks, or cooperative ownership models that prioritize young farmers.
- Develop Youth-Friendly Financial Products: Financial institutions should collaborate with the government to develop tailored financial products for young agripreneurs, including low-interest loans, grants, and insurance schemes that reduce the financial risks associated with agriculture.
- Strengthen Agricultural Education: Agricultural education should be integrated into the national curriculum from primary school onwards. Tertiary institutions should offer more courses in agribusiness, technology in agriculture, and farm management.
- Enhance Access to Technology: Subsidies and grants should be made available to young farmers to help them access modern agricultural technologies, including mechanized farming equipment, irrigation systems, and digital platforms for market access. The government and private sector can also promote partnerships that provide access to these technologies at reduced costs.
- Establish Youth Agribusiness Hubs: The government and private stakeholders should create youth agribusiness hubs that provide training, mentorship, and incubation services for young people interested in agriculture. These hubs could serve as centers of excellence, where youth can gain practical experience and develop innovative solutions in farming, processing, and distribution.
- Improve Rural Infrastructure: Investment in rural infrastructure is essential to make agriculture more appealing and profitable for young people. The government should prioritize improving rural roads, irrigation systems, electricity access, and internet connectivity to reduce logistical challenges and encourage agricultural entrepreneurship.
- Strengthen Agricultural Value Chains: Youth should be encouraged to engage in all stages of the agricultural value chain, from production to processing, packaging, marketing, and distribution. Government policies should promote value addition and diversification, so that young people can access more lucrative markets and move beyond primary production.
- Promote Climate-Resilient Agriculture: With the growing threat of climate change, it is essential to promote sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices. The government and agricultural organizations should provide training and resources on climate-smart agriculture, such as drought-resistant crops, water conservation methods, and agroforestry, to help young farmers mitigate risks.
- Support Agribusiness Startups and Innovation: There should be dedicated funding, mentorship, and business development services to support agribusiness startups by youth. Innovation competitions, grants, and incubators can provide young people with the resources and networks they need to turn agricultural ideas into viable businesses.
- Strengthen Agricultural Cooperatives: Youth-friendly cooperatives should be promoted to enable young farmers to pool resources, access markets, and negotiate better prices for inputs and produce. Cooperatives can also provide young people with a sense of community and shared risk, making agriculture a more attractive venture.
- Facilitate Access to Markets: Government and private sector actors should work to create direct links between young farmers and markets, reducing the reliance on middlemen. Digital platforms for market information and e-commerce should be promoted to give young agripreneurs better control over pricing and market access.
- Introduce Agricultural Apprenticeships: The government and private sector should collaborate to establish agricultural apprenticeship programs that provide young people with hands-on experience in modern farming techniques, agribusiness management, and sustainable agriculture practices.
- Promote Agriculture as a Business: Efforts should be made to change the perception of agriculture from a subsistence activity to a profitable business venture. This can be achieved through targeted media campaigns, showcasing successful young agripreneurs, and providing entrepreneurship training in agriculture.
- Create Favorable Tax Policies for Young Farmers: Tax incentives should be introduced for youth-led agricultural enterprises to reduce their operational costs. These could include tax breaks for the first few years of operation or reduced tax rates on agricultural inputs and equipment for young farmers.
- Improve Youth Engagement in Policy-Making: Youth should be actively involved in the creation and implementation of agricultural policies. This can be done by establishing youth councils or advisory boards within relevant government ministries to ensure that the voices and needs of young farmers are taken into account.
Agriculture as a Devolved Function and Its Role in Youth Employment in Kenya
The devolution of agriculture in Kenya through the 2010 Constitution has placed county governments at the forefront of managing agriculture at the grassroots level.
This decentralization is vital for creating localized solutions to agricultural challenges, particularly regarding youth employment. Counties have the ability to directly address the unique agricultural issues faced by youth in their regions, considering factors like climate, soil quality, and market access that vary widely across the country.
Devolution allows for more targeted investments in agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation, roads, and storage facilities, which can significantly enhance productivity and profitability. It also provides opportunities for county governments to collaborate with local youth groups, cooperatives, and educational institutions to create region-specific training programs.
These initiatives can focus on modern farming practices, agribusiness management, and value addition, equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in agriculture.
Moreover, counties have the power to implement land policies that prioritize youth access to land for farming. By addressing land tenure issues, providing communal farming options, and facilitating land leasing, county governments can remove one of the biggest barriers preventing youth from engaging in agriculture.
Local governments can also create policies that support market access and value chain development, ensuring that young agripreneurs can sell their produce at fair prices. This direct involvement at the county level is crucial for empowering youth to take up agriculture as a sustainable livelihood.
Why Agriculture is the Ultimate Solution to Youth Unemployment in Kenya
Agriculture is undeniably one of the most promising sectors for tackling youth unemployment in Kenya.
First, the agricultural sector remains the largest employer in the country, contributing directly to 30% of the GDP and indirectly to an additional 27%. The sector offers diverse opportunities across its value chain, from farming to processing, marketing, and distribution, providing numerous employment avenues for the youth.
Given the high number of young labor market entrants each year, agriculture has the capacity to absorb these individuals and reduce the unemployment rate significantly.
Secondly, the potential for transformation in the agricultural sector is immense. By moving away from subsistence farming to a commercially oriented, innovative agricultural approach, the sector can create sustainable employment for millions of young people. Kenya’s Vision 2030 highlights agriculture as a critical sector in driving economic growth, with a focus on increasing productivity, introducing modern technologies, and promoting value addition.
With their energy and creativity, the youth are best suited to drive this transformation.
Lastly, agriculture is a relatively low-barrier entry sector compared to other industries. With the right support in terms of access to land, finance, and technology, young people can quickly start agribusiness ventures.
The flexibility and vastness of the agricultural sector mean that even those with minimal education or resources can participate, be it through small-scale farming, agribusiness enterprises, or value-added services. By equipping youth with the necessary skills and support, agriculture can provide a sustainable solution to the ongoing youth unemployment crisis in Kenya.
Why Youth are the Best Drivers of Agriculture in Kenya
Young people are naturally innovative and adaptable, making them ideal drivers of agricultural transformation in Kenya.
They are more open to adopting modern technologies, such as precision farming, mobile-based agricultural platforms, and mechanized farming equipment, which can significantly increase productivity and efficiency in agriculture. This technological adaptability is essential as Kenya moves towards commercializing its agricultural sector and incorporating modern practices that can sustain its growing population.
Additionally, the youthful population is more likely to engage in value addition and agribusiness ventures, moving beyond traditional farming methods. Young people are also more likely to take entrepreneurial risks, exploring new markets and creating innovative solutions in agriculture, such as agritech startups and food processing businesses.
Their willingness to engage in agribusiness will be crucial in enhancing the agricultural value chain and increasing the sector’s contribution to the economy.
Furthermore, the youth represent the largest demographic in Kenya, and involving them in agriculture ensures a sustainable and long-term approach to food security. As the older generation of farmers retire, the young generation will need to take over the responsibility of feeding the nation.
Their participation ensures that agriculture remains vibrant and resilient, adapting to changing global food demands, climate change, and emerging market trends.
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