Move fast to forestall further job losses in private sector

We have often debated whether Kenya’s youth bulge will be a blessing or a curse. The general consensus, so far at least, has been that we have the opportunity to turn it into a blessing. But there is a worrying trend in the formal sector that will affect our youths; the anticipated job cuts in the private sector.

Already, close to a dozen multinationals have revealed plans to lay off hundreds of workers this year. Another 21,000 employees have lost their jobs in the hotel industry after more than 20 hotels closed shop over unsustainably low tourist numbers.