Tinderet: The rising unemployment crisis among young people continues to pose a major social and economic challenge, especially in rural regions where formal job opportunities remain scarce.
According to Kenya News Agency, experts and stakeholders now argue that agribusiness could offer one of the most sustainable solutions if young people are properly trained, empowered with modern skills and supported with start-up capital.
Across many parts of the agriculturally rich areas of Tinderet Sub-county in Nandi County, a growing number of youths are gradually turning to farming and agribusiness ventures not merely as subsistence activities, but as profitable enterprises capable of transforming livelihoods. Agricultural economists say the sector remains the country’s largest employer and contributor to the economy, yet many young people have for years shunned it due to the perception that farming is outdated, laborious, and unprofitable. However, changing market trends, increased demand for food products, and advancements in agricultural technology are steadily redefining the sector and opening up fresh opportunities for the youth.
According to agricultural extension officer, Peter Kigen, the region possesses immense agricultural potential that remains underutilized because many young people lack proper mentorship, technical knowledge, and access to affordable financing. He observed that thousands of graduates leave colleges and universities annually with little hope of formal employment, yet many could succeed if guided into productive agribusiness ventures.
Among the ventures that experts identify as highly promising for young people is dairy farming, particularly in regions such as Tinderet where climatic conditions favor pasture production. Dairy farming continues to attract increasing numbers of youths due to the steady daily income generated through milk sales. Cooperative societies and milk processing plants have also improved market access, making the venture more attractive.
Poultry farming is also emerging as a lucrative agribusiness activity among unemployed youths due to its relatively low capital requirements and fast returns. Experts note that broiler chicken farming can generate profits within a few weeks while layers provide regular income through egg production. Agribusiness trainer, Beatrice Chepkemoi, observed that poultry products enjoy ready markets in hotels, schools, and urban centers, making the business viable for both rural and urban youths.
Another promising area is horticulture, particularly the cultivation of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. With increasing urban populations and growing awareness about healthy diets, demand for fresh produce continues to rise across the country. Tomatoes, capsicums, onions, cabbages, and spinach are among the commonly grown crops that fetch good prices in local markets.
Bee keeping is also gaining popularity as an affordable agribusiness venture that requires minimal space and labor. Experts say the demand for honey and other bee products has continued to increase both locally and internationally. Besides generating income through honey sales, bee farming contributes significantly to environmental conservation through pollination.
Fish farming has equally emerged as another viable enterprise, especially in areas with reliable water sources. Government and private sector initiatives have in recent years encouraged youths to establish fish ponds to meet the growing demand for fish products. Aquaculture specialist, Martin Rotich, said fish farming offers opportunities not only in production but also in hatchery management, fish feed manufacturing, and processing.
Coffee and avocado farming are also attracting renewed interest among the youth due to improved earnings and expanding export markets. Agricultural stakeholders argue that youths should be encouraged to engage not only in primary production but also in agribusiness value chains such as transportation, processing, branding, and online marketing.
Despite the promising opportunities, lack of access to affordable capital remains one of the biggest obstacles preventing youths from venturing into agribusiness. Many financial institutions often demand collateral security that unemployed youths cannot provide. Youth leader Collins Cheruiyot called on both national and county governments to establish more accessible agricultural empowerment funds targeting young entrepreneurs.
Stakeholders also emphasize the importance of mentorship and practical training. They argue that agricultural training institutions should modernize their programs to align with emerging trends in agribusiness and digital technology. Experts say the integration of mobile applications, social media marketing, and e-commerce platforms can help young farmers access wider markets and better prices.
As Kenya grapples with rising unemployment and economic uncertainty, agribusiness increasingly stands out as a practical and sustainable pathway toward youth empowerment. With adequate training, supportive government policies, affordable financing, and improved market access, the agricultural sector could become a major engine for job creation and economic transformation among the youth. For many stakeholders, the solution to unemployment may not necessarily lie in the shrinking formal job market, but rather in empowering young people to view agriculture not as a last resort, but as a profitable business capable of shaping a more secure and prosperous future.
