Empowering Kenya's youth: From skills to opportunities

Approximately 80 percent of the population of Kenya is 35 years and below. This population has the potential to drive growth in one of two ways: either positively or negatively.

While young people account for a sizable portion of the country’s labour force, the same group, sadly, has an unemployment rate of up to 67 percent.

There are several factors that have led to these daunting statistics. Some were thought to be out of their sphere of influence, like poor government structures. The other most influential factors are a lack of market skills and opportunities, even for those with education.

Lack of employment provides a breeding ground for emergence of criminal gangs made up of youths. Realities such as deeply rooted tribalism and a perceived deaf ear by the government to the plights of the youth further make it easy for young people to fall into the manipulative hands of those who are bent on radicalising them, including malevolent politicians or, even worse, terrorist groups. By providing opportunities for the youth to learn marketable skills and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, they become less susceptible to negative influence and consequently, society witnesses improved peace.

The government and non-state actors have impressively responded by advocating for policies and initiatives that empower the youth with marketable skills to help them make a living. Vocational training courses and TVET programmes, for example, have been instrumental in equipping these youths with market tailored skills that give them a chance at employment or even entrepreneurial pursuits.

Also, there has to be a shift in our mind-set and profiling of the jobs and skills we want for our children and youth. Growing up, everyone’s dream was to be a doctor, pilot, teacher and all those jobs associated with a higher social currency. How many of us can really look their children and younger siblings in the eye and tell them it is commendable that they want to be tailors or plumbers or musicians, without inadvertently seeing them as having inadequate dreams and ambitions in life? Yet the truth is that the labour market needs all these professionals. Thanks again to technical and vocational training courses that have come up all over the country, even those who did not make the cut for ‘dreamy’ careers are no longer an afterthought. They can now pursue equally important careers like carpentry, masonry, mechanic work, tailoring and many other jobs that give them a shot at improving their own lives and the communities they live in.

Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) play a pivotal role in equipping young individuals with practical skills such as hairdressing and beauty, plumbing, catering, electrical painting decoration and sign lighting, and garment making, just to mention a few, which are essential in today's job market. This helps to address the high unemployment rates among the youth.

However, while technical skills are necessary, there is a growing appreciation of the need for soft skills as well, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, which are crucial for personal and professional success, enabling one to navigate complex work environments, build strong relationships, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Employers increasingly seek candidates who not only possess technical expertise but also demonstrate strong interpersonal abilities and a positive work ethic. Thus, integrating soft skills training into the curriculum can enhance the employability and overall competence of trainees. These skills help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that trainees are not only job-ready but also capable of contributing meaningfully to their workplaces and communities.

NO ONE OUT, through “InJob! Project Pathways to inclusive education and promotion of employability for vulnerable youth in the public vocational centres (AID 012590/03/3)” co-financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, has significantly contributed to the development of soft skills among trainees in public Vocational Training Centres. This initiative aims to promote employability for vulnerable youth by providing comprehensive support that goes beyond technical training.

Through the project, trainees receive psychosocial support where they have both group and individual counselling sessions that provide them with a safe space to discuss personal and emotional challenges, address issues such as anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem, which are common barriers to success in both personal and professional spheres.

In addition, by engaging in regular counselling sessions, learners develop coping strategies and emotional regulation skills that enhance their mental health and well-being. This process helps them to become more resilient, enabling them to better handle setbacks and challenges they may face in their careers and lives, ensuring that youths are well-rounded and prepared for the demands of the job market.

Another critical aspect of the InJob! project is the emphasis on life skills training. Life skills such as time management, financial literacy, and critical thinking, are integral to the holistic development of trainees. These skills empower youths to make informed decisions, manage their resources effectively, and solve problems efficiently in their personal and professional lives.

Further, the project has actively worked to change the misperception that VTCs are inferior to other higher learning institutions. Through job fairs, participation on major events such as World Youth Skills Day and awareness campaigns, InJob! project has highlighted the value and potential of vocational training. This effort has helped to elevate the status of VTCs, encouraging more youth to enrol and benefit from the opportunities they offer, ultimately contributing to a more skilled and adaptable workforce.

The poet Hodding Carter Jr is credited with writing that, “There are only two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other, wings.”

Giving these youths the skills to improve their livelihoods is providing them with roots. It is empowering them with the ability to provide for themselves. It is giving them a purpose and letting them know that the nation values their input and productivity. It is giving them the advocacy to raise their voices and contribute to issues in the society and be part of the solution for these issues.

The next equally important step is giving them the wings to fly; to not stop at equipping them with the skills, but to take it a step further and provide them with the opportunities to put the skills to work; to make it more conducive for those who would rather pursue entrepreneurial ventures. It is improving their resilience to radicalisation. It is reduced crime rates and improved productivity.

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