By Treezer Michelle Atieno
Nairobi, like many growing cities, faces a significant challenge: the shortage of
marketable skills among its youth. With a population of over 4.5 million, the capital
city struggles with high unemployment rates, particularly among young people who
often lack the necessary skills to compete in a competitive job market.
This gap between education and employment is a major factor contributing to the
city’s rising youth unemployment.
A recent initiative by Nairobi County, the One-Stop Youth Centre, is set to address
this pressing issue. Located strategically along Haile Selassie Avenue, this facility is
designed to provide young people with a range of skills and resources to enhance
their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Governor Johnson Sakaja emphasised that the Centre is a lifeline for many youths,
offering access to various learning programs without any financial burden.
The Centre is equipped with a music studio, meeting halls, and learning spaces,
which cater to diverse interests and needs. According to Wainaina Muiruri, the
Centre’s Coordinator, the facility is more than just a place to learn; it's a community
hub where young people can develop professional and technical skills, from
adolescent health to sports for development and youth leadership.
These skills are crucial as they directly impact job prospects and the ability to create
self-employment opportunities.
The broader context highlights a significant mismatch between the skills young
people acquire and the skills demanded by the job market. Many educational
institutions in Nairobi do not adequately prepare students for real-world
challenges, leaving a skills gap that the One-Stop Youth Centre aims to fill.
By offering hands-on training and workshops, the Centre helps bridge this gap,
equipping youths with practical skills that are highly valued by employers.
Furthermore, the Centre's approach to skill development is holistic, addressing not
just professional training but also emotional well-being and social issues. This
comprehensive support is vital in ensuring that young people are not only job-ready
but also equipped to tackle broader challenges in their lives.
Upscaling such initiatives is crucial. With Nairobi's youth population continually
growing, expanding the reach and impact of the One-Stop Youth Centre can
significantly contribute to reducing unemployment and fostering economic growth.
Investing in similar facilities across the county would enhance skill acquisition
opportunities for more young people, thus addressing the root causes of
unemployment and poverty.
