Kenya's youth crisis: Jobless but still expected to vote?

Kenya’s youth, often referred to as the "backbone" of the nation, represent more than half of the country’s population. However, despite their significant demographic presence, many find themselves at the crossroads of a profound paradox: they are jobless, marginalized, and facing uncertain futures—yet they are expected to carry the weight of democracy by voting in national elections. This dissonance raises a critical question: Can Kenya’s youth continue to participate actively in the political process while grappling with severe economic challenges?

The State of Youth Unemployment in Kenya

Youth unemployment in Kenya is one of the most pressing socio-economic issues facing the country today. According to recent reports, approximately 2.3 million young people between the ages of 18 and 34 are either unemployed or underemployed. The jobless rate among young people in Kenya is alarmingly high, with an estimated 40% of the youth not able to find formal employment, a stark contrast to the national unemployment rate, which hovers around 6.6%.

Kenya’s educational system produces thousands of graduates each year, but the country’s economy, which is heavily reliant on agriculture and a few key industries, is unable to absorb them all. While urban centers like Nairobi offer some employment opportunities, most of these jobs are in the informal sector—often unstable, underpaid, and lacking benefits like healthcare or pension plans.

Why Are Kenya's Youth Jobless?

Several factors contribute to Kenya's youth unemployment crisis:

1. Mismatch Between Education and Market Needs

The education system in Kenya, while growing, often fails to equip students with the skills needed for the modern job market. Many young people graduate with degrees that don’t align with available job opportunities, leaving them without the practical skills required by industries.

2. Lack of Industrialization

Kenya’s economy remains largely agrarian, and the industrial sector is still underdeveloped. There is a shortage of formal, industrial jobs that can accommodate the growing number of young people entering the job market each year.

3. Corruption and Nepotism

Corruption and patronage networks have led to a situation where jobs and opportunities are often reserved for the politically connected. Youth who lack connections or political backing find themselves locked out of economic opportunities, regardless of their qualifications.

4. Economic Stagnation

Despite Kenya's strong economic growth in recent years, much of this growth has been concentrated in certain sectors such as technology and finance, which do not create enough jobs for the entire youth population. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic led to massive layoffs, disproportionately affecting young workers.

The Paradox of Youth Participation in Elections

Kenya’s young population is often encouraged to be politically active, especially during election periods. Political leaders actively court young voters, frequently making promises to create jobs, improve access to education, and address their concerns. The youth are told that their vote is crucial to shaping the future of the country. Yet, this expectation clashes with their daily reality of economic hardship.

1. A Voter Base With Little to Lose

While youth are encouraged to vote, their disenchantment with the political system grows as they witness little change in their lives after elections. The political elite continue to make promises without delivering, and the youth—many of whom are living in poverty or underemployment—feel alienated. This sense of disenfranchisement leads to voter apathy, and in many cases, to a lack of engagement with the electoral process.

2. The Exploitation of Youth Votes

Political campaigns often target youth with flashy promises and populist rhetoric, yet these promises rarely materialize into tangible results. The youth are frequently used as political pawns—mobilized to vote for candidates who promise them a better future but ultimately fail to address their pressing needs, such as employment and economic stability.

3. A Growing Disconnect Between Youth and Political Leaders

The gap between the youth and Kenya’s political leadership has widened in recent years. Young people, particularly those in urban areas, are increasingly frustrated with the lack of representation and the dominance of political dynasties. The older political elite often fail to understand the issues affecting the youth, further deepening this divide.

Why Does This Matter?

Youth in Kenya are a critical demographic in the country’s political future, and their participation in the electoral process is essential for the health of the nation’s democracy. However, expecting a population that is jobless and disillusioned with politics to be enthusiastic voters is problematic.

1. Social Unrest

A disenfranchised, jobless youth population is a breeding ground for social unrest. When young people feel that they have no stake in the political system, they may turn to protests, violence, or other forms of political expression to make their voices heard.

2. Missed Economic Potential

The failure to create jobs for young people also means a loss of potential. The youth are an untapped resource that could fuel Kenya’s growth if they were provided with adequate opportunities. Instead, many young people are forced to leave the country in search of better prospects, contributing to the brain drain.

3. Political Instability

If youth continue to feel disconnected from the political process, the legitimacy of elections could be questioned. Low voter turnout, especially among the youth, threatens the democratic process and raises doubts about the true representativeness of election outcomes.

What Needs to Change?

1. Job Creation Initiatives

Kenya needs to focus on creating jobs that can absorb its growing youth population. This includes investing in industries that can offer long-term, stable employment, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which can provide job opportunities across sectors.

2. Education Reform

The education system needs to be aligned with the demands of the modern economy. Skills development programs, vocational training, and partnerships with the private sector can ensure that youth have the practical skills needed to thrive in a changing job market.

3. Political Reform and Youth Representation

Young people must have a voice in the political process, not just as voters but also as leaders. Political parties should provide platforms for youth to engage meaningfully in politics, with a focus on policies that directly address their needs.

4. Combatting Corruption

Tackling corruption and promoting transparency in government would help ensure that jobs and opportunities are distributed equitably, especially to the youth who are often left behind in the existing system.

Conclusion

Kenya’s youth are its greatest asset, yet they are often left to face the harsh realities of unemployment, underemployment, and political exclusion. While they are encouraged to vote, they are confronted with a political system that has largely failed to deliver on its promises. Until the government addresses the systemic issues that contribute to youth unemployment and disenchantment, Kenya risks facing a future where its youth are not just jobless—but politically apathetic and disengaged. The youth need more than just the right to vote; they need opportunities, empowerment, and a future that aligns with the promises made by the leaders they are asked to support.