It Can No Longer Be Business as Usual" in Tackling Youth Unemployment
It Can No Longer Be Business as Usual" in Tackling Youth Unemployment
Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, Dr. Alfred Mutua, has emphasized the urgent need to rethink Kenya’s approach to youth unemployment, asserting that “it can no longer be business as usual” in finding lasting solutions to the country's pressing challenges. Speaking at the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC), where he officially opened the East African Employability Summit, Dr. Mutua urged a break from traditional thinking, arguing that “old ways only generate old results.”
The summit, themed "Building on the Gains: Closing the Youth Employability Skills Gap in the East African Community," attracted delegates from across the region focused on bridging critical skills gaps affecting youth employability. Dr. Mutua stressed that youth issues must be addressed urgently and that innovative strategies are essential to foster youth success in entrepreneurship and provide them with access to decent work opportunities.
Acknowledging the government’s role in addressing youth challenges, Dr. Mutua emphasized that young people, too, must take proactive steps toward their future. He encouraged them to be “consistent, persistent, and organized” and to seek out and acquire the skills that will enable them to thrive in today’s job market. Addressing the common hurdle of inexperience that many graduates face, he advised young job seekers to consider volunteering in their communities to build their CVs.
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted the importance of attitude and emotional intelligence in the pursuit of employment, advising the youth that “even finding work is work in itself.” To illustrate his point, he introduced Martha Kalui, a security guard at KICC whose proactive attitude had earned her an employment opportunity in Qatar.
As part of the summit, Dr. Mutua unveiled several initiatives aimed at tackling youth unemployment. He launched the 1 Million Next Level Initiative, a program aimed at connecting over one million Kenyan youth annually with job and entrepreneurial opportunities. Additionally, he introduced the Kenya Skills Hub, a virtual one-stop platform designed to provide young people with access to crucial information on skills development and work-based learning.
In a push to better align education with industry needs, the CS also introduced the National Policy on Linking Industry to Education, Training, and Research, along with the National Guidelines for Career Guidance and a new National Career Guidance Training Manual. These resources aim to bridge the gap between academic training and practical job market requirements, providing young people with a roadmap to navigate their career journeys.
Dr. Mutua was accompanied by Principal Secretary for the State Department of Labour, Shadrack Mwadime, as he reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the youth but reminded them that success would require initiative, resilience, and adaptability on their part.