Creating jobs in Kenya: Letter to the youth

The big companies we admire were once startups. Start something, no matter how small, and with time you will surprise yourself.

ECONOMICINSIGHT

with XN IRAKI

A keen reader, Tom Gould, has suggested that three forces have conspired to reduce the pace of job creation in Kenya. They are corruption, insecurity/terrorism, and workers of poor repute.

On corruption, he offers an interesting solution: that we set up a system where one could call in complaints about bribes or money extorted by those trying to take ownership of legally imported items.

The system would have to be transparent, and those reporting the bribes protected by a special unit paid for by the business community — totally divorced from the Government.

Corruption kills jobs because resources are diverted to unproductive sectors; it reduces productivity and demotivates the creative and industrious.

Dealing with corruption goes beyond Government. We must start in our homes, by teaching the next generation the value of work and honesty. Will the moral power of religion ever be reclaimed to fight graft?

It seems 50 years after uhuru, we still have not understood the connection between money, work and happiness.

Insecurity keeps off investors or delays their investments, which kills jobs.

It also reduces consumption, which kills jobs. When we all go home early in the evening either to avoid criminals or Alcoblow, we reduce demand for goods or services, creating fewer opportunities.

WORKERS OF POOR REPUTE

While Kenyans are said to be hardworking, we want someone to watch over us. We still see work as a necessary evil, not a part of life. My experience has shown that Kenyans will seek jobs but once employed, they do not want to work. Workers of poor repute reduce productivity and destroy jobs.

In developed countries, workers often go beyond the call of duty. Kenyan employers complain perennially of workers who are dishonest and want to get just enough experience to change jobs without warning.

But our employers are not blameless. A number have taken advantage of the high unemployment rate to exploit workers.

Enough on the large issues; what can you do to get yourself a job? The youth are affected by joblessness disproportionately. They have less experience and less money to invest, but lots of  energy and creativity.

One, get an education. More specifically, skills that will be demanded by the market, and not just now, but also in the future.

Avoid fads. Young people prefer to move in flocks, whether in choosing university courses or fads. You will not get a job easily if you have a degree or skills everyone else has. Do your research; do not follow the crowd.

More often, the difficult courses, mostly in science and technology, attract fewer students, increasing your chances of creating a job or getting one. Do not go to school because everyone is going. Remember, after school, you will be on your own. Are you willing to go against the grain and make yourself unique? Do you consider yourself a Vitz or a Lexus?

Two, think about work when in school, not after. Schooling and work are not that separate. Take a look at job adverts to get an idea of which sectors are growing.

Checking the Budget will let you know where Government money is going, and how you can get a part of it legally.

Do you check job trends elsewhere? The US Bureau of Labor statistics give 10-year job prospects that you can regularly check. Those job trends eventually get here.

Three, keep yourself informed. Do you read newspapers, watch news and talk to informed people? What do you search for on the net? Do you know what’s happening around you that can benefit you? Do you know, for example, that you do not need a permit to work in Rwanda? 

Do you observe things, looking for trends and patterns, or do you just block off the world with earphones and music?

Four, avoid excuses. You can keep blaming your high school, your parents, the Government and even witchdoctors, but that will not help you. Be realistic. You will not change the world overnight, but you can change yourself overnight. Accept that you are responsible for your own life. The Government can provide the Uwezo, Youth and other funds, but getting a job depends on you, your attitudes, initiative and skills.

Five, think glocally (no spelling mistake). Know what’s happening beyond the borders but also around you. Remember, jobs are about satisfying local and global needs. If you are not formally employed, which needs can you satisfy and get paid for? Which goods and services are inelastic, meaning you can increase prices without a fall in demand?

SURPRISE YOURSELF

Six, be patient. The big companies we admire, from Toyota to IBM, were once startups. Start something, no matter how small, and with time you will surprise yourself. The best way to start something is to look at a human being from head to toe and ask yourself what his or her needs are, and how you can satisfy them better than others.

Seven, love work. It gives you not just a livelihood, but also meaning in life.

Finally, job creation is a collective responsibility involving governments, individuals, families, schools and other stakeholders. Each must do his or her part.

My conviction tells me that Kenya has reached a tipping point, despite insecurity and other socio-economic challenges. The best is yet to come and will come.

The writer is a senior lecturer at University of Nairobi’s School of Business.

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