Kenya Youth Empowerment Project

Context and Problem

As of 2010, the youth unemployment rate in Kenya was extremely high at 21%. Additionally, the chaos is exacerbated by the history of economic fluctuations and socio-political instability. In such an environment, unengaged and unproductive youth result in financial losses, social unrest, and increased crime. The KYEP initiative addresses this problem and aims to mitigate it.

Solution

KYEP operated through a comprehensive strategy that involved long-term skills development and immediate employment opportunities. $43 Million were dedicated to creating labor-intensive public works programs that improve community infrastructure. Through employment in these ventures, youth get temporary jobs, which equips them with a work ethic. Under this subprogram, participants receive on-the-job training to ensure they acquire practical and transferable skills. Second, $15.5 million were dedicated to private-sector internships and training. In this sub-program, KYEP partners with private sector companies to offer internships and vocational training. The project incentivized businesses to participate as KYEP subsidized internship wages. Companies in the program underwent a rigorous selection process to ensure the selected companies provide meaningful training to increase prospects for the participants. Third, $1.5 million were dedicated to capacity building and policy development. Under this subprogram, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) 's institutional capacity was strengthened to ensure program implementation, monitoring, and sustainability. Moreover, policies that support youth employment initiatives were developed, which include policy advocacy, research on youth unemployment, and forums for policy dialogue.

Impact

The initiative aims to create over 190,000 temporary jobs for youth through public works and internships. Moreover, KYEP focuses on upskilling youth to make them competitive in the job market, emphasizing sectors pivotal to Kenya’s Vision 2030.

Note: further data collection and studies will have to be conducted to understand the programs impact.

The Kenya Youth Empowerment Project (KYEP) is designed to grow easily within Kenya, adjusting its approach based on how much funding is available and what the needs are. Its thorough method, which tackles both immediate job needs and long-term skills development, makes it a good example for other countries with similar youth unemployment issues. KYEP's works on enhancing the abilities of important government departments and builds relationships with the private sector.