More jobs best way to grow the economy

Irungu Nyakera Permanent Secretary Transport board member Kenya Airports Authority

Like in most growing economies, Kenya’s youth comprise the largest percentage of the population. However, despite the tremendous economic growth witnessed in the country, the youth still constitute an overwhelming majority of the unemployed.

As the population expands and more young people join the job market, the consequences of youth unemployment, if left unresolved, can be detrimental. Besides retarding the nation’s potential and economic growth prospects, disenfranchised youth are highly likely to engage in crime, and, as witnessed over the last few months, be used as a tool of aggression and political unrest. Kenya’s future growth can only be secured by nurturing the youth and preparing them to take on the future with the skills necessary to keep moving the country forward.