This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
As I speak to parents seeking internship opportunities for their children, it's clear that the job market has undergone a significant shift. Gone are the days when a child turned 18 and entered the workforce independently. Today, it's a family affair, with parents and children working together to find opportunities.
One such conversation took place with a 21-year-old woman who works at a leading bank, where she started as an intern. Despite being overworked and underpaid, she's grateful to have a job, especially considering many of her friends are jobless.
"I do everything in that department, and some people I work with are so old, they can't stay awake during meetings," she said. "They throw you under the bus, make presentations you're unprepared for. While I do everything in the office, they lounge and drink tea. Thank goodness I haven't been taught to use the computer system, there are some things I can't do. They want to teach me soon though. Then I'll be worried."
Her story is a stark reminder of the challenges facing young people in Kenya. Many are debating whether to leave the country in search of opportunities elsewhere, with some even dreaming of becoming citizens of another nation. However, becoming a citizen is not as simple as it seems, and the process is often fraught with challenges.
Kenya Investment Authority's plan to offer citizenship to wealthy investors who create employment opportunities is a case in point. While the idea may seem appealing, the process of vetting applicants is rigorous, and the risk of outside influences is a concern.
As the number of foreign companies shutting down in Kenya increases, it's clear that the country's business environment is becoming less attractive. What would be the benefits of citizenship for wealthy investors, and is it worth leaving their current lives behind for?
Perhaps the answer lies in encouraging partnerships between countries, especially within the East African Community. Investing in the region could be a key strategy for Kenya's economic growth.
However, the reality is that there are young people in Kenya who are jobless right now, and even those who are born and raised in the country face challenges in obtaining their own identity documents.
Nerima Wako-Ojiwa is the executive director of Siasa Place. Twitter: @NerimaW
