Kenyan youth economic outlook

  Kenyan Youth Economic Outlook 2026 Kenya’s growing youth population (roughly one‐third of the country) is at a crossroads: they hold the promise of a “demographic dividend,” but face high unemployment and skill mismatches. Recent surveys report that while 80% of Kenyan youth (18–35) have secondary education or beyond, 43% are still looking for work afrobarometer.org . (By comparison, only 23–32% of older Kenyans report the same.)  Official data show youth unemployment (ages 15–24) around 12% in 2024 theglobaleconomy.com , but broader measures suggest many more young people lack formal jobs. For example, the Federation of Kenya Employers notes that 35% of Kenyans are aged 15–34, yet they account for over two‐thirds of the unemployed fke-kenya.org . This gap – between education and opportunity – underpins recent youth protests and widespread emigration aspirations afrobarometer.org afrobarometer.org . Economic pressures (cost of living, poverty) add to the urgency. Over half ...