Strengthening skills training key in tackling unemployment

In Kenya, about one in every three people under 35 is unable to find a job despite actively seeking work. This challenge is exacerbated by the 1.7 million jobs estimated to be lost as a result of lockdowns and restrictions put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Youth unemployment and underemployment have been majors issue in Kenya. Policymakers and stakeholders have invested in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, anticipating that the increase in skill acquisition will result in access to gainful employment. Unfortunately, a recent literature review found that only three out of nine rigorous evaluations of TVET programmes show some positive effect on employment outcomes. This research shows that on average, skills training programmes increase employment by only 2.6 per cent – a much lower result than the 10x- or higher rates that policymakers expected.