Nairobi: Permanent Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, has announced the government’s efforts to combat youth unemployment through a series of programs. These initiatives focus on equipping young individuals with market-driven skills, expanding internship opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, and opening overseas job markets.
According to Kenya News Agency, the PS addressed the National Amani Youth Summit at Moi University School of Law Annex Campus in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing youth unemployment with practical solutions. Jacobs highlighted the strategic shift towards technical and vocational education as a means to bridge the skills gap and support industrialization.
Jacobs pointed out the disparity between university and technical institution enrollments, noting that the predominance of university students over technical students has exacerbated the unemployment crisis. With current enrollment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions reaching approximately 900,000 students, the growth signifies a move towards self-employment and industrial transformation.
The PS encouraged youth to pursue technical training and entrepreneurship, suggesting that practical skills are essential for creating businesses that employ others rather than simply increasing job seekers. He emphasized the significance of practical abilities over academic grades in the job market.
Jacobs outlined several government initiatives aimed at empowering youth, including internship programs, labor mobility opportunities, enterprise grants, and apprenticeship schemes under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program. Over 121,000 young people have benefited from NYOTA grants, and 90,000 are in apprenticeship training under the master craftsperson model.
He also mentioned the positive impact of government-funded initiatives such as the Climate Works Programme, targeting 200,000 youth, and the Nairobi River Regeneration Project, which has employed approximately 45,000 young people. Jacobs urged eligible youth to utilize these opportunities through transparent government recruitment processes.
The PS proposed that one percent of projects financed by the proposed National Infrastructure Fund be allocated as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to support youth development in host communities. He reiterated the government’s dedication to involving young people in policy formulation and implementation to address unemployment and drive Kenya’s economic growth.
