By THE GREAT Imboywa Michael
When we were growing up, it was everyone’s desire to be something — to pursue a profession that could make our parents proud after their years of sweat and hard work. We would mention professions that gave us hope and encouragement to succeed. But were we being naïve or simply hopeful?
Where were we supposed to get these jobs? Whose responsibility is it to provide them?
On Madaraka Day, the President announced the recruitment of youths for the Kazi Mtaani project. To make it efficient, the application process was allowed to happen online, with individuals applying directly. In Uasin Gishu, 33,000 youths actively registered, but only 2,100 vacancies were available.
The government knew the total number of applicants but still limited the vacancies. When the final list was drafted, it was clear the process was unfair. It was said that only seventy youths per ward would be considered, and since the process is often conducted in a “kujuana” (connections) way, the seventy were mostly from the same tribe. Youths were applying online, only for the area chief to handpick the seventy. We all know what happens next.
The government is responsible for creating jobs, but under the current regime, it’s still a nightmare. Despite job creation being part of its manifesto, it has failed to deliver even half of what was promised.
Let’s be honest: one of the main reasons for unemployment in Kenya is that the government does not truly think about the youth — it thinks about itself. Many people holding government positions are too old for the roles but refuse to vacate them. And when they finally leave, they often appoint someone from their own circle, making these positions generational.
Positions meant to represent the youth are often not given to relevant and capable young people. The government also imposes high taxes on the private sector, making it hard for investors to create jobs. In some cases, investors are required to pay millions before they can even start. When young people try to start their own businesses, kanjos (city council officers) make life unbearable for them through constant arrests and disruptions — especially in towns. This has been rampant in Uasin Gishu, where most small business owners are not originally from the area, and business disruptions are often based on ethnic grounds.
Times are changing, and we need to move with them. The government should spearhead invention and innovation among the youth, enabling them to put their skills to use creatively. It should also support local businesses so that young people can employ themselves and help close the unemployment gap.
