The Implications of the 2016/17 budget on the Kenyan Youth and Women

Several big numbers have graced our screens these past few days. But what are the implications of these numbers on the Kenyan women and youth? I have sought to demystify these numbers with particular reference to capacity for income generation.

From a budget of Ksh 2.3 trillion (2, 265.0 billion), Ksh 21.1 billion has been channeled towards gender and youth empowerment programs under the revamped National Youth Service. With the recruitment of more youth across the country into the National Youth Service program ongoing, many more could yet be on their way to this 5 year program that seeks to boost not only their employability, but their entrepreneurial capacities as well. Whether or not the NYS is achieving its mandate is a debate for another day.

Women and Youth in the farming sector may also have a reason to smile after government set aside Ksh 4.9 billion to subsidize fertilizers and seeds. The sector has also seen tax waiver on raw materials for animal feeds to further reduce the cost of producing dairy products guaranteeing better earnings for the farmer. I still maintain that we need more men and youth farming entrepreneurs not only as a means for wealth creation and provision of continuous income, but also as a means to contributing to the country’s food production. The continued support for the Uwezo Fund and the Youth and Women Enterprise funds attracted a similar allocation to the previous financial year’s 1.6 billion. This provides an opportunity for the youth and women to access funds for their small and micro-enterprises thereby boosting their access to income.

Just when we thought that everyone else was comfortable with the runaway youth unemployment rates, the CS reiterated the intentions of governments to offer tax discounts to employers who employ and train at least 10 fresh graduates for a period of 6 to 12 months. The framework to enable the tax cushion is under serious consideration and as a youth, I personally endorse it and urge for its speedy resolution and implementation.

Also under consideration is the Youth Employment and Opportunities Project that is a brainchild of the World Bank targeting close to 280,000 youth aged 18 to 29 years with education level of up to Form 4. The project would enable the targeted youth to benefit from increased employment and earnings opportunities. The project will among other things, offer start-up grants, train craftsmen, offer job specific skills like driving and thereafter provide internships to graduates. A greater number will participate in awareness sessions on Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) and other government funding opportunities.

The Jua Kali sector has also received a boost with the removal of import duty on raw materials used to manufacture materials. This would reduce the cost of production in the sector and hence enable youth in this sector maximize their earnings. Similarly, the increment in the rate of import duty on aluminum cans further discourage import of the end product and hence encourage its local production, providing incentive for growth and expansion of the sector.

The government intention to establish industrial and technology parks to catalyze innovation and value addition should also be of great interest to the youth. This is because we are the country’s fresh minds, newly graduated or still in school with unlimited surges of curiosity. However, we can only get there if we follow up and seek to create something out of our ideas. With the renewed urge to develop Kenya’s manufacturing sector, we should cut on out imports and expand our export base, we should be motivated to pitch our ideas and seek funding for them.

Youth and Women in the sports industry also have reason to smile. An allocation of 1.9 billion for the sports and culture and art programs, in addition to the 1.9 billion issued the previous financial year to oversee construction of 3 stadia in Nairobi, Eldoret and Mombasa. We also look forward to the rollout of the government incentive packages in the areas of film and music to further encourage talent exploitations.

All is however not rosy with all the beautiful budgetary allocations. Government should seek to seal the various loopholes that allow for corruption and unequal playing field for the women and youth. Without strict checks and balances to weed out corruption and ensure fairness, equality and accountability, then this budget will just be another rosy story that never was. It is also upon the women and youth to grab these opportunities to advance themselves and give back to the society. Without that, then these funds will be diverted to other underfunded projects.