ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews youth employment policies in Kenya. It uses a mix of research methods. The interventions that the government has put in place relate to those that make the labor market work better, such as public works programs (PWPs), support for entrepreneurs through enhancing access to credit, training on skills, making training programs work better, and comprehensive programs that include more than one of these other interventions. The findings from the analysis indicate that most of the youth employment interventions tend to focus on only one aspect of the situation, are fragmented, and are rarely integrated or linked with wider macroeconomic or sector-specific policies. Interventions to improve labor market regulations have tended to lag developments in the labor market. The low levels of awareness of ongoing interventions, resulting in low uptake, especially among Kenya’s rural youth, is a major concern. To enhance the effectiveness of youth employment policies in Kenya, the study recommends strengthening data-driven policymaking through comprehensive research and evaluation. A multi-sectoral approach is essential, integrating job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship. Increasing awareness and simplifying access to youth programs will improve participation.
