Degrees Without Promise: Kenya’s Youth Struggle Against a Tide of Joblessness
A Jobless Nation, by Gideon Ng’enoh from The Eldoret National Polytechnic, investigates the growing crisis of youth unemployment in Kenya
A Jobless Nation- Radio Documentary by Gideon Ng'enoh from The Eldoret National Polytechnic, investigates the growing crisis of youth unemployment in Kenya/Image Courtesy
Summary:
Radio Documentary
This compelling radio documentary, A Jobless Nation, by Gideon Ng’enoh from The Eldoret National Polytechnic, investigates the growing crisis of youth unemployment in Kenya. Each year, around 50,000 graduates enter the job market, yet many remain unemployed or underemployed, despite their qualifications. The youth unemployment rate stands at a staggering 35%, with personal stories from graduates like Kamande, a trained nurse turned street hawker, and Kennedy, an engineering graduate doing odd jobs, revealing the harsh realities behind the statistics.
The documentary highlights the psychological burden, societal stigma, and despair facing unemployed youth, including reports of depression and even suicide. It also critiques systemic issues such as nepotism, corruption, and the mismatch between education and market demand. While government initiatives like digital hubs, affordable housing programs, and “Kazi Mtaani” have shown some promise, the problem remains deeply rooted.
Through emotional narratives and expert insights, Ng’enoh presents a vivid portrait of a generation at risk—educated, determined, but dangerously overlooked.
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