This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
Published on November 15, 2019, by Pauline Ongaji, a correspondent with Nation Media Group.
As I walked through the streets of Nairobi, I couldn't help but notice the desperation in the eyes of the young people around me. They were everywhere - on the streets, in the markets, and even outside buildings, trying to make a living any way they could.
From the shoe shiners in Gikomba market to the nail technicians on Moi Avenue, and from the street vendors on Tom Mboya Street to the matatu touts, the youth of Kenya are struggling to make ends meet. Many have resorted to begging, while others are forced to take on menial jobs just to survive.
According to King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, 'The incentive that you give to your youth is going to be the make-or-break future of the country.' With the current trend, it's clear that the future of Kenya is bleak.
The government's recent appointments of senior citizens into public service positions have only added to the frustration of the youth. While some may argue that these positions should have been given to the youth, the fact remains that the youth of Kenya are in dire need of economic empowerment.
It's time for the government to take action and provide opportunities for the youth to thrive. The future of Kenya depends on it.
