Thousands of former National Youth Service officers Monday showed up in their thousands at the Embakasi Garrison.
By Brian Magiri,19th September 2023

In a stark illustration of Kenya’s escalating youth unemployment crisis, thousands of former National Youth Service (NYS) officers gathered on Monday at Embakasi Garrison, with dreams of securing a coveted spot in the Kenya Defence Forces. However, their hopes were dashed as only a mere 300 slots were available, leaving the majority of the aspirants grappling with uncertainty.

Kenya’s youth unemployment situation has reached alarming proportions, casting shadows of doubt on promises made by the country’s leaders, including the President, to provide job opportunities for its burgeoning youth population. The frustration and disillusionment among the country’s young graduates are palpable, as they continue to face a daunting job market.

The harsh reality that has emerged is that connections and networking often dictate who secures employment in Kenya today. It has become a commonly held belief that to get a job, you need a job – a situation that exacerbates the challenges faced by fresh graduates entering the workforce.

Graduates, equipped with qualifications and aspirations, find themselves walking the well-worn path of “tarmacing” – the term used to describe the desperate job-seeking journey many endure, pounding the pavements, distributing resumes, and attending interviews with no guarantees of success.

The prevailing question that lingers is whether the Kenyan electorate is truly responsible for the leadership that has, thus far, failed to address this pressing issue. Many are beginning to question the efficacy of the existing system, prompting conversations about alternative solutions.

Some advocate for the need to create new systems that empower the youth to take charge of their own destinies. Entrepreneurship and self-employment are becoming increasingly attractive options, albeit in an economic climate where the tax burden is often perceived as unbearable for small businesses.

As the unemployment crisis deepens, it is becoming clear that Kenya’s youth are eager for change and a future that holds promise. The call for action is resonating louder than ever, and it is high time for a collective effort to find sustainable solutions that will uplift the country’s youth and set them on a path toward a brighter future.

In the face of these challenges, Kenya’s youth are left with the burning question: “What lies ahead, and how can we create a better future for ourselves?” It is a question that demands answers, unity, and innovative solutions from both the leaders and the youth of Kenya.