This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
As the country grapples with high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, President Uhuru Kenyatta's job allocation policies have come under scrutiny. The president's promise to provide one million jobs for the youth has yet to materialize, leaving many wondering where these opportunities are.
According to critics, the majority of jobs offered by the government are going to older individuals, who are often less qualified for the positions. This has led to accusations that the president is prioritizing his allies and friends over the needs of the youth.
"If the people Uhuru is giving jobs are finally forced to step aside because of ill health or other vagaries of old age, won't the jobs be now left to an inexperienced cadre of workers?" asked Donald Collins.
Others have pointed out that the lack of job opportunities for the youth is driving them towards crime and other illicit activities. "How will we tell the youth not to go into crime if we keep denying them jobs and offering them to the old guard?" asked Winnierose Wangui.
Meshack Kitai, a critic of the president's policies, believes that the youth are being left out of important jobs because they lack experience. However, he argues that this is a self-fulfilling prophecy, as the youth are being denied opportunities to gain experience in the first place.
Sam Makunyi, who recently tried to get a job at a government agency, was locked out due to lack of experience. Despite being fully qualified for the position, he was told that he was not eligible because of his age.
"At least 90 per cent of jobless people in this country are youth," said Gideon Njagi. "Where are these jobs that the president promised?"
Related Topics: Youth, Jobs, Unemployment, President Uhuru Kenyatta
