This archive report was first published on 23 June 2020.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), a staggering 27.3 million Kenyans are eligible to work, representing 57% of the country's total population.
However, the jobs market is a challenging environment for young people, particularly those aged 15-19 who are not in school and have not been trained to work. Labour data shows that only one in five of these Kenyans is employed.
On the other hand, the jobs environment becomes more rewarding with age. The data reveals that an average of eight in 10 Kenyans between the ages of 35 and 64 are employed.
As XN Iraki, an associate professor and Fulbright scholar, notes, 'It could be argued that elderly employees are more experienced and are more marketable.' Iraki suggests that older employees 'understand market dynamics better and could make fewer mistakes than inexperienced youth.'
Published on June 23, 2020 by The Standard.
