Kenya’s youth demographic, comprising over 35% of the total population, holds immense potential to drive the country’s economic and social development. However, this vast pool of young talent has long been plagued by the persistent challenge of unemployment, a crisis that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to recent data, the youth unemployment rate in Kenya stands at a staggering 39%, with many young people struggling to find meaningful and stable employment opportunities. This crisis poses a significant threat to the country’s future, as idle and disillusioned youth are at greater risk of engaging in anti-social behavior, substance abuse, and even radicalization.
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Kenyan government, along with a growing number of private sector and civil society initiatives, have been working tirelessly to address the youth unemployment crisis. One such initiative is the Ajira Digital Program, a national-scale project aimed at equipping young Kenyans with the skills and resources needed to thrive in the digital economy.
“The digital revolution has opened up a world of opportunities for Kenyan youth,” explains Beatrice Awuor, the program’s coordinator. “Through Ajira, we’re providing them with the training, mentorship, and job placement support to capitalize on these emerging trends and secure stable, well-paying jobs.”
The Ajira Digital Program focuses on upskilling young people in high-demand digital fields, such as software development, graphic design, digital marketing, and online customer service. The program also connects participants with reputable online freelancing platforms and local companies seeking skilled digital talent, facilitating seamless job placement.
“What makes Ajira so effective is its holistic approach,” says Beatrice. “We don’t just teach technical skills; we also equip our participants with essential soft skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, and the confidence to thrive in the modern workspace. This ensures that they not only land jobs but also excel in their roles and continue to grow their careers.”
The impact of the Ajira Digital Program has been profound, with over 200,000 young Kenyans having benefited from its services since its inception in 2016. Many of these youth have gone on to secure well-paying, flexible jobs with leading local and international companies, breaking the cycle of unemployment and establishing sustainable careers.
Alongside government-led initiatives, Kenyan youth are also spearheading their own entrepreneurial ventures to address the unemployment crisis. One such example is the Ghetto Classic, a social enterprise founded by a group of young Kenyans from the Kibera slum.
“Growing up in Kibera, we saw firsthand the devastating impact of unemployment on our peers,” says Mwangi, the co-founder of Ghetto Classic. “We knew that w e had to do something to create opportunities for ourselves and our community, and that’s how the idea for Ghetto Classic was born.”
Ghetto Classic operates a network of vocational training centers and small businesses, equipping young people with practical skills in areas such as fashion design, woodworking, and culinary arts. The enterprise also facilitates the creation of cooperatives and small-scale enterprises, empowering young Kenyans to become self-employed and build sustainable livelihoods.
“Our approach is not just about job creation; it’s about fostering a sense of agency and empowerment among Kenyan youth,” Mwangi explains. “We believe that by providing them with the right tools and support, they can become the architects of their own economic futures, breaking free from the constraints of unemployment and poverty.“
The success of Ghetto Classic has been widely recognized, with the enterprise winning numerous awards and accolades for its innovative, community-driven approach to youth empowerment. But more importantly, it has transformed the lives of countless young Kenyans, offering them a pathway to financial independence and a brighter, more secure future.
As Kenya continues to grapple with the youth unemployment crisis, it is initiatives like Ajira Digital and Ghetto Classic that offer a glimmer of hope. By investing in the skills, entrepreneurial spirit, and resilience of young Kenyans, these programs are not only addressing the immediate challenges of joblessness but also laying the foundations for a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future.
“Our young people are the backbone of this nation,” says Beatrice Awuor. “When we empower them, we empower the entire country. That’s why we’re so committed to finding innovative solutions to the youth unemployment crisis – because the future of Kenya depends on it.”
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