Why the youth’s confidence in formal education is in decline
Kenya is characterised as a youthful nation, with the majority of its population being young individuals.
According to a report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics focusing on household demographics, it has been revealed that 40 percent of Kenya’s population is under the age of 15.
A significant portion of Kenya’s youth finds themselves unemployed, which has driven many to contemplate opportunities abroad due to a lack of prospects in their homeland.
Among Kenyans, particularly the youth, the pursuit of scholarships has become a common strategy to escape the pressures and high cost of living in the country. Some young people face urgent needs, with the only hindrance being the acquisition of a passport, which preoccupies their thoughts.
The faith of many young Kenyans in their system has dwindled, as they grapple with the challenge of finding employment outside their country.
Youths like Vincent Ouma told Nairobi News that there is no need to waste time in college yet after completing studies, you hustle for life.
“I rather start my own business just to keep me going. There is no employment in the country and that’s why I would rather start a business,” Ouma told Nairobi News.
It’s not uncommon to witness older individuals firmly entrenched in jobs, even in low-skilled positions like cleaning and security, particularly in the public sector, with no retirement plans in sight.
Numerous young individuals are left pondering when they will have the opportunity to step into roles they were educated for, as they see older generations occupying those positions.
Many are compelled to work in fields unrelated to their training, raising questions about the purpose of their education.
A substantial portion of the youth has lost confidence in the system, even in the realm of education.
Many are exploring alternative routes to success rather than through traditional education, as they have observed educated individuals struggling and becoming objects of ridicule, especially those who worked diligently, hoping that education would serve as the great equalizer and a means to escape the depths of poverty that persist in many communities.
The majority of young people are wrestling with depression, questioning why they dedicated years of hard work, only to return home with their degrees and find themselves unemployed.
Some have even pursued additional degrees, hoping for better luck in their subsequent endeavors, only to end up hustling in the streets.
The prevailing question remains: How is it that young people make up the majority, yet they find themselves without employment, with older generations occupying those positions?
Also read: Ruto to address National Assembly, Senate amid high cost of living
Four special groups of students to watch keenly over this long holiday