Youth empowerment demands a collective approach by all parties

By Machel Waikenda

Kenya, just like many developing African countries, is plagued by lack of employment, increased crime rate and other consequences of an underperforming economy. Common denominators in all such nations with struggling economies are high crime levels, prostitution, poverty and wasted human resource. The youth population is a fundamental bond between leadership of the day and the future, whose early inclusion and contribution in critical governance creates transcending consistency to future generations. The past has not reflected such an attempt; rather sidelining youths’ role over the years has condemned the young population to their current fate.

But the good news is that the Government has committed to tackling the thorny youth issue amongst a raft of other blueprints. Obviously, this calls for a conscious high-level framework for a collective impact approach attractive for investment and consequent creation of job opportunities. Commendably, President Uhuru has affirmed that job creation is one of the key pillars of his government.

The Youth Enterprise and Capital Fund that has been modeled as Constituency Development Fund is expected to facilitate business financing among the youth without having to provide a collateral security. Collective cooperation approach between the Government and private sector in dealing with unemployment would not only be critical in alleviating poverty but also in curbing brain drain and consequently retain professionals and untapped potentials for the mutual benefit and country’s growth.

This is further amplified by the president’s declaration that the 30 per cent of Government’s contracts be reserved and awarded to the youths to enable them do business with the Government. Countries like Germany and Netherlands have successfully tackled the issue of youth unemployment and underemployment through tight link between Government and the private sector.

It must remain clear that for this desire to be achieved equitably across the country, the county government leadership must be equally committed to this noble agenda. However, in providing loans and grants, capacity building, it is prudent for the respective Government ministry to come up with feasible programmes to inculcate good business management, develop their confidence and other entrepreneurial skills amongst the beneficiaries to ensure sustainability of the programme.

The policies must also seek to consolidate and harmonise the rationale of financial accessibility supported by appropriate linkages for corroboration amongst the various government departments.

For far too, long our national human resource has received insufficient attention with energy and time of our youth being wasted through alcohol and drug abuse. We must work together to put measures in place to harness the time and talents of our youth in order to grow our economy. Inadequate supply of high-quality, high-impact programmes and pathways and a lack of funding have challenged youth more. Educational advancement through established technical colleges and other tertiary level of education is a prerequisite for our young people to effectively equip themselves with the knowhow of business dynamics and competence.

Essentially, to have a significant competitive edge, the youths must have a postsecondary credential or certificate to meaningfully connect to sustainable careers or other relevant technical skills. Improved quality and access to education is a major stride in tapping and promoting other talents like sports, arts and entertainment that is essential in diversifying human investment.