Kenya Youth Agribusiness Strategy 2017/2021: Positioning the youth at the forefront of Agricultural Growth and Transformation

Abstract

Youth account for 35.4% of Kenya’s population (World Bank 2014), with 1,000,000 entering the labour market annually (Kenya Country Report on Youth Employment, 2014). They offer a dynamic work force that is innovative; have a high uptake of technological know-how and the ability to take on significant levels of risk. The Agriculture sector presents a huge opportunity for the creation of employment to absorb the youth and ensure achievement of food security for future generations. However, the sector is yet to fully exploit the potential of the youth and it remains largely unattractive. The situation is exacerbated by perception of agriculture as a career of last resort, one of drudgery and low monetary benefits. Information on access to markets, factors of production including land and financing remain extremely limited hindering adequate engagement of the youth in agriculture. This Strategic Plan provides an overview of objectives and strategies to be pursued during the five-year period (2017-2022). The preparation of the Strategic Plan was guided by the Constitution of Kenya (CoK 2010), National Youth Policy, Vision 2030,Agriculture Sector Development Strategy (ASDS) 2010-2020 County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs).