The Youth Dividend

Kenya faces a growing youth employment challenge, with nearly 80 percent of its population under 35 working in informal, low-quality jobs that offer little security or opportunity for advancement. About 85 percent of youth rely on informal work, contributing to cycles of poverty and inequality, and preventing youth from accessing wage employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Young women are especially affected: they make up the majority of those not working or studying and face greater barriers to finance and formal jobs. In arid and semi-arid regions, including areas hosting refugees, limited infrastructure, climate shocks, and weak job markets further reduce opportunities. The mismatch between the skills young people acquire, and those required by the labor market, makes it increasingly difficult for them to secure stable employment