Youth Frustration Grows as Delays in Addressing Unemployment Spark Anger

By Merceline Nasambu Khaemba

Delays by the government in addressing challenges facing young people, particularly unemployment, have heightened frustration among the youth and contributed to rising anger and protests, a lobby group has raised concerns.

Speakers said during the 10th Annual Young Friends Programme Conference held at Kimilili Girls’ Secondary School, pointed to a lack of structures to absorb youths completing their education as a major area of concern.

Speaking at the conference, Masai Micah, a representative of Young Adult Friends in Africa, said the slow pace of reforms targeting youth concerns has left many young people disillusioned, leading to frequent demonstrations on the streets.

“Young people, not only in Kenya but across the world, want to see change happening quickly. That is why the government should not take too long in addressing youth affairs,” Micah said.

He noted that unemployment has pushed many youths into depression, arguing that available opportunities often go to undeserving individuals due to corruption and favoritism.

Micah also said youth representatives are frequently blamed by their peers for failing to deliver results, despite lacking adequate platforms and opportunities to effectively represent young people’s interests.

The conference organisers commended Friends churches and other faith-based institutions for supporting government efforts by engaging young people through forums that promote moral values and help keep them away from crime and other harmful activities.

The main speaker at the event, John Machine, urged the government to prioritise youth issues beyond employment, particularly access to education. He said many young people have dropped out of school due to financial constraints.

“As a church, we wish we could do more, but our resources are limited. However, we have played our part by trying to instil moral values among the youth,” Machine said.

Johnstone Wepukhulu, the presiding clerk of Kamusinga Yearly Meeting, said the conference programme focuses on social, spiritual and economic themes aimed at shaping the character and values of young people. He called on parents to work closely with the church and the government to safeguard the future of the current generation.

The annual conference brings together young people from the region to discuss challenges affecting them and to explore solutions through dialogue, mentorship and moral guidance.