Kenyan Social Media Influencer popularly Known as Jimmy Kafangi on X, has lamented over the unemployment in the country, days after his graduation.
Kafangi, who recently graduated from Egerton University with a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, expressed discontent at how hectic it was to secure a job in the country.
According to Jimmy, the government should come up with policies and internship opportunities for young graduands, as a way to empower the youth.
Speaking to our reporter recently, Kafangi revealed it has not been an easy fete surviving in Njoro, with discipline and determination needed to see him through.
The X influencer, acknowledged Social Media has contributed to his campus journey, through gigs that helped him offset fees, rent and gave him some pocket money once in a while. He appreciated anyone who has been as kind as to offer him the advertising opportunies, stating he's committed to showcasing their Products and Businesses in Positive Publicity.
Kafangi opines unemployment is a ticking time bomb that if not hastily addressed, will turn to a national crisis. He is advocating for favorably policies that will encourage entrepreneurship and self employment in the country.
The Government on the other hand, has opted to export labour as a way to address Youth Unemployment in the Country.
According to the Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, the market is in demand of Technical skills which youths in the country are short of. However, critics attribute this to the Education System while others dispute this as his Ministry's excuse, stating there are too many qualified unemployed young Kenyans who have given up on job searching.
Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, urged youth to acquire skills through volunteering, emphasising that practical experience enhances their employability.
Dr. Alfred Mutua, speaking during the East African Employability Summit, emphasised the importance of consistent and dependable employment, advising youths to spend two or three years in an organisation to show consistency and dependability.
“Volunteer, do something. At least have something on your document saying that at least you have experience, not just sitting at home and waiting to get work,” advised Dr. Mutua.
“We must confront the skills mismatch challenges which contribute to high youth unemployment. There is what you want to be and what there is in the market; sometimes you must be able to adjust,” he added.
Dr. Mutua also emphasised the importance of having certificates from training institutions, as they make individuals more marketable in their field.
He discouraged youths from thinking that there are no jobs and encouraged them to have a document showing they can read and write.
He revealed the government has enacted policies such as the national skill hub, linking industry to education, training, and research policies, and other frameworks for career guidance and training manual frameworks.
The Latest World Bank Report highlights a worsening employment crisis, with unemployment Projected to rise in Kenya.
According to the report, Kenya's unemployment rate will increase this year due to a sluggish economy that seems to stagnate and limited job opportunities in the country.
The report, project's Kenya's unemployment will increase from last year's 5.6% to 5.7% this year.
The Government, had earlier last month announced the Ministry of Labour is seeking opportunities for Kenyans abroad, aiming to ease the crisis.
The report points to the lack of job creation in the formal private sector as a major reason for joblessness among the educated youth.
While employment stagnation in large industries is a crucial factor, many employers also do not find the skills they look for among the graduates.
Unfortunately, we have not seen any significant shift in our education policy to produce graduates with up-to-date and industry-specific skills.
Over the years, private and public tertiary educational institutions have mushroomed without much thought as to the demands of the local and global industries.
Obtaining a tertiary-level degree remains largely a path to social status, rather than one to help in a specific career.
There is also little encouragement for the educated youth to become entrepreneurs. Too many bureaucratic obstacles, combined with financial constraints, corruption, nepotism, and political instability, are also discouraging entrepreneurial pursuits.
These also prevent small and medium enterprises from expanding and creating lucrative job opportunities for the educated youth.