Youth Unemployment and Its Implications on Development in Africa: the Case of Kenya

Abstract

Youth unemployment is on the rise in Africa and it comes with huge economic challenges that lead to slow economic growth of the states. Youth unemployment in Africa and specifically Kenya, affects their development as well as their input to the development of the states. Kenyan government has put initiatives in place such as the Uwezo fund, development of TVET and enhancement of industrialization. However, these initiatives are affected by factors such as institutional polarization and lack of political will to enhance their actualization. There are different types of unemployment, ranging from cyclical, frictional, systemic, political and structural which illustrates causes of unemployment. Unemployment occurs when any of the factors of production are not employed or fully utilized, in creation of goods and services. Despite all the efforts employed by the government, to eradicate the vice, unemployment and especially among the youth continue to persist and this has serious repercussions on self-esteem, poverty eradication efforts, social stability and equity. This study investigated the nature of unemployment among the youth in Africa, examining the effectiveness of the measures put in place to combat youth unemployment in Kenya and evaluating the challenges faced in addressing youth unemployment in Kenya. The study adopted the classical theory in examining youth unemployment and its implications to development in Africa. Mixed method that combines both quantitative and qualitative research design was used to gather, analyse and present information. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews from a sample of 384 respondents, using purposive sampling techniques from selected officials from NGOs working with the youths in Nairobi, community leaders, youths, academicians and religious leaders. The quantitative data collected was analysed using the Scientific Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft Office Excel and Content analysis for the qualitative data. It is evident that, development has stagnated because of increasing unemployment rates in the country which affects economic growth. Further, unemployment in Africa is a huge jeopardy to development and it leads to social problems such as crime. Most of the youth with the capacity to work have not been adequately given the opportunity to get productive. However, the high youthful population if adequately empowered can enhance economic growth. From the findings, the measures put in place by GoK to combat youth unemployment are good, but lack the aspect of having proper policies and follow up procedures, to make the work effectively as envisaged. Various recommendations can be made on study findings. There is need to carry out reforms on the education systems for economic growth of the country. Trainings should also be conducted based on the immediate need of the society. There is need for harmonization of policies, so that government initiatives can have a unified theme in addressing youth unemployment