The youth in Kenya form about 62 per cent of the total population. Certainly, the social and economic returns of investing in the youth are vast. However, the economic marginalisation of young people is considered a major driver of social instability and increase in crime, radicalisation, ethnic and political tension as well as violent conflict.
The 2007/08 election demonstrated that young people provide fodder for election violence and widespread property destruction. Politicians galvanise young people along ethnic lines to visit violence on their perceived enemies - mainly members of the other tribe who belong to a rival party. Yet the explosion of youth violence is fed by many other socio-economic factors that have remained unsolved since the 90s.
The population of the youth has rapidly grown in the past decades, with young people increasing from 6.2 million in 1999 to approximately 25 million today. It is estimated that by 2030, the number of young people below 25 years will be 38 million. While short-term efforts including celebrity and religious group campaigns on peace and civil society peace workshops remain essential, long-term investment in the development of young people will secure lasting peace for Kenya.
A number of options should be considered to cushion the youth. Kenya must address health challenges that make it difficult for young people (especially women) to attain their full potential. The Government must address the economic challenges currently facing young people ranging from unemployment to skewed allocation of resources and business opportunities. Systems must be created which ensure young people receive economic opportunities.
Whereas the financial sector has rapidly grown in the last decade, young people continue to face challenges and limitations in access and utilisation of financial services. Most significantly, financial literacy and utilisation of financial services remains lowest in rural areas. Efforts must, therefore, be directed at raising awareness and utilisation of financial services.
Meaningful youth involvement must be organically developed and supported and anchored in legal processes that are devoid of abuse and corruption. Albert Obbuyi, Executive Director, Centre for the Study of Adolescence.
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