Beyond promises, our youth want real opportunities

In urban settlements and rural villages, Kenyan youth are navigating a landscape where access to opportunity is the exception rather than the rule.

Even with degrees and technical skills, the majority are trapped in a system that is not designed to fully utilise their potential. Many turn to informal work or survive on small-scale hustles, often unsupported by financial systems and unprotected by regulation. The numbers tell a story that should alarm anyone who cares about Kenya’s future.

Young people aged between 18 and 34 now comprise nearly a third of the population, with over 80 per cent of the country under the age of 35. They form the backbone of Kenya’s economy, education system, and workforce — yet they remain among the most excluded from meaningful participation in national development. This disconnection is not due to a lack of ambition. It is the result of institutional neglect. The government and private sector alike have created environments where young people are expected to be innovative and self-reliant, yet are denied access to the very tools they need to succeed. Motivational campaigns have become a substitute for structural support, and political slogans have replaced policy action.

One of the most glaring examples is the public procurement system — a gateway that, if accessible, could offer thousands of youth-led enterprises a foothold in economic life. Instead, it is dominated by well-connected elites. From small school supply contracts to large-scale infrastructure tenders, access is often decided by proximity to power, not merit or innovation.

The result is a generation left waiting. Every year, more than 120,000 graduates exit universities and colleges with expectations, only to find an economy unprepared to receive them. Many return home, idle or underemployed, their talents slowly eroding with each passing year. Yet, this is not a hopeless story. Kenya has the potential to change course. There are clear, actionable pathways that could unlock the youth’s potential. A shift in priorities is needed — one that organises youth into formal cooperatives, provides startup capital and mentorship, and ensures access to procurement opportunities without political interference.

Every election cycle, the most critical demographic — youth — is pushed to the sidelines, mentioned in manifestos but missing in action when it comes to implementation. Youth inclusion is not a charitable gesture; it is a smart investment. Many young people come from families that have made enormous sacrifices for their education and training. If empowered with the right tools, youth can lead Kenya’s next phase of growth and resilience.

A serious commitment is also required from the private sector and international partners. Youth should be prioritised in supply chains, logistics, digital services, and local distribution networks.

Counties and constituencies must channel public development through youth-led initiatives and enterprises. Affirmative action must translate into real contracts, jobs, and funding. True progress will only come when every young person feels seen, valued, and included. This is not just a call for youth empowerment. It is a national imperative. The path to inclusive development runs through the dreams and determination of our youth. Their unmet needs cannot wait for the next campaign cycle. They require attention now through action, not applause.

The writer is a researcher