This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
On October 15, 2019, the National Employment Authority announced the appointment of former Othaya MP Mary Wambui as its chair. The move has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many questioning the authority's existence and the qualifications of its new chair.
The National Employment Authority was established through the National Employment Authority Act 2016, with the aim of increasing access to employment for the youth. However, a spot check on the authority's website reveals that many Kenyans are unaware of its existence.
According to the World Bank, one in five youths in Kenya are unemployed. Critics have questioned whether the appointment of Mary Wambui, who is in her retirement age, is a suitable solution to the crisis of youth unemployment in the country.
“What is this employment authority? Why are we hearing it for the first time? When was it put in place? And what is its mandate?” Martin Wangwe asked.
Others have questioned Mary Wambui's qualifications for the position, with some asking if she has the merit to deliver on the authority's mandate.
“Does this government honestly want to claim that people in retirement age are appointed in these positions to serve the youth? We are talking of youth unemployment but there are positions for retirees!” Julishwa said.
