Kenya Economic Report 2015 on Empowering Youth through Decent and Productive Employment

Abstract

The Kenya Economic Report (KER) 2015 is the seventh in a series of annual reports on the Kenyan economy prepared by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPA). Pursuant to KIPPA Act 2006, the report reviews Kenya’s recent economic performance and provides an outlook for the medium term. he focuses of KER 2015 is ‘Empowering Youth through Decent and Productive Employment’. his is highly relevant and timely within the context of our current development challenges and potential opportunities emanating from demographic change. The youth comprise a large proportion of our labour force, about 60 per cent, and the trend is expected to persist because the segment of the population aged below 35 years is large, estimated at 78 per cent of the total population. Youth empowerment continues to receive attention globally and regionally due to the significant importance of this segment of population in development. Kenya is a signatory to the Commonwealth Plan for Youth Empowerment, and African governments have committed to address youth development challenges under the Decade Plan of Action for Youth Development and Empowerment (2009-2018). he Constitution of Kenya, Article 55, requires the state to take measures to ensure youth have access to relevant education and training; have opportunities to associate, be represented and participate in political, social, economic and other spheres of life; access employment; and are protected from harmful cultural practices and exploitation. Since 2005, the government has been mainstreaming Youth Development agenda, first with the establishment of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, and the implementation of National Youth Policy. The Government is also implementing various policy initiatives, including Youth Enterprise Development Fund, Uwezo and access to public procurement…