As Kenya looks toward its long-term development goals, government officials are increasingly calling for the active participation of the youth in national governance and economic planning. Head of Public Service Felix Koskei recently emphasized the necessity of young people taking on greater responsibility in shaping the country’s future, specifically regarding the implementation of Vision 2060.
Speaking during a service in Nandi County on September 6, 2026, Koskei encouraged young Kenyans to pursue both elective and appointive leadership positions. He stated that for the nation’s long-term development strategy to be effective, it must be inclusive of the younger generation, who will ultimately be responsible for carrying out these national objectives. This push for youth involvement comes as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, with ongoing public discourse surrounding representation, governance, and the creation of sustainable opportunities for the youth demographic.
Despite these calls for leadership, the economic landscape for young Kenyans remains difficult. Recent data indicates that more than 60% of Kenyans aged 15 to 34 are currently unemployed, underemployed, or economically inactive. While millions of jobs have been created in the country since 2023, the majority of these roles are within the informal sector. This trend has left many university and college graduates struggling to find stable, formal employment that matches their professional training.
In response to these labor market hurdles, many young people are increasingly turning to digital platforms to secure income. The shift toward digital work reflects a broader trend of graduates seeking alternatives to traditional employment paths that have failed to absorb the growing number of job seekers.
In other developments, social tensions have been reported in urban centers. In Nakuru City, there have been reports of youth moving through informal trading areas and targeting foreign nationals who are operating businesses within those sectors. These incidents highlight the growing pressure and competition within the informal economy, where many young Kenyans are currently concentrated.
As the government continues to frame the Vision 2060 process as a collaborative effort, the challenge remains to bridge the gap between the high rates of youth unemployment and the need for meaningful, formal economic participation. The focus on youth leadership is expected to remain a central theme in national policy discussions as the country moves toward the next election cycle.
Sources
- Felix Koskei urges youth to participate fully in Kenya’s national affairs - People Daily
- WATCH| Kenyan youth in Nakuru City are reportedly moving ...
- Nation Kenya: Over 60% of Kenyan youth lack full employment
- Koskei calls on youth to be part of the vision 2060 discourse
- Trained for jobs they can't find: Kenyan youth turn to digital platforms
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